Playful Prints

14 Jun

On Sunday, I’ll be headed down to Lake Lanier, Georgia for a week of relaxation and tanning (fingers crossed the weather’s nice). My family is a total beach family, so it will be an interesting but fun change going to a lake. I have yet to get a new swimsuit this season, but after doing some recent browsing, I am convinced I need to get one ASAP! This year, I find myself gravitating toward bright, colorful prints. Some seasons, I am all about the monochromatic, simple swimsuits, but this season’s suits are all about fun patterns! If you’re not one for looking “matchy-matchy” with your swimwear, stick with the colorful swimsuit top and pair it with a solid-color bottom that matches one of the colors in the printed top. Now if only I could decide which of these was my favorite…

Swimsuits 2013

Top: Mara Hoffman | Nanette Lepore

Bottom: PilyQ | Agua de Coco

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Touch of Red

13 Jun

When most people think of red and yellow together, their first thought is probably of ketchup and mustard. Although I’m a big fan of both of these condiments (I’ve been known to eat ketchup and mustard sandwiches), my favorite way to pair these two colors is in my wardrobe. I’ve always felt like red and yellow together gives off a retro vibe, which I love! The second I put on this yellow dress, I knew some red accents would add some instant pizzaz to the look. If you’re like me and don’t have a lot of red accessories, a red lip is a quick and simple fix. Also, some red nail polish can really make your nails pop against a yellow ensemble.

As much as I love dresses, especially in the summer, I’ve started to realize that they can be hard to switch up after each wear. That’s where I think adding some pops of color to a dress can help create a new look each time you wear it. I know that sounds like common sense, but it’s something I’ve never really thought about until recently! In the past, I had a predetermined set of accessories (purses, jewelry) for each dress I owned, but blogging has encouraged me to experiment more.

How do you switch up your look when you wear a dress?

Blue Pepper Yellow Lace Dress, Tahari Wedges

Blu Pepper Yellow Lace Dress

Blu Pepper Yellow Lace Dress

Rebecca Minkoff Red Mini MAC, Blue Pepper Lace Dress

Blue Pepper Yellow Lace Dress

Touch of Red 6

Dress: Blu Pepper (similar) | Shoes: Tahari (similar) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Bracelets: J.Crew, J.Crew | Ring: Unknown (similar)

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Bauble Wish List: Neon

10 Jun

For obvious reasons, neon colors always remind me of summer. These bright shades of pink, yellow, and green signal in the season of warm, sunny days. A neon bauble can add a major statement to a simple summer look. Don’t think your outfit needs to be toned down and simple to rock these pieces, though. Neon jewelry can also be used to complement a bright-colored skirt or top. When wearing neon, I think it’s best to limit yourself to two neon-colored items.  You don’t want to end up looking like an assortment pack of highlighters!

Neon Jewelry

Top Row: J.Crew Necklace | Tom Binns Earrings | BCBG Ring

Middle Row: Michael Kors Bangle | Vince Camuto Watch | J.Crew Necklace

Bottom Row: ASOS Earrings | Max & Chloe Bracelet | Marc by Marc Jacobs Bracelet

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Blazer + Button Down

5 Jun

In my opinion, there’s nothing more preppy than a blazer paired with a crisp button down shirt. Blazers and button down shirts are two classic wardrobe staples that every girl should have in her closet. I don’t know what it is, but the second I put either of these pieces on, I instantly feel more polished. While I own a few blazers, this is the first time I’ve sported this red J.Crew blazer. I’ve always admired J.Crew’s Schoolboy blazer’s because of their structured look and variation of colors. At the end of last summer, I happened to be at J.Crew during the first day of a major sale and came across a single Schoolboy blazer extremely marked down. Even though it was a size smaller than I usually wear, I bought it, knowing how much regret I’d feel if I were to let it go.

With that being said, if you plan on wearing a thicker shirt under your blazer, I’d recommend going up a size with your blazer. I’m one of those people who can’t stand feeling restricted in my clothes (especially in layers), so I think a looser fitting blazer is an easy fix for people like me. Of course, if you plan on wearing a more lightweight material under the blazer, staying true to size is not a problem.

J.Crew Red Schoolboy Blazer, Urban Outfitters Leather Skirt

Urban Outfitters Polka Dot Button Down, J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer, Urban Outfitters Leather Skirt

J.Crew Red Schoolboy Blazer, Urban Outfitters Polka Dot Shirt

J.Crew Schoolboy Blazer, Urban Outfitters Leather Skirt

Top: Urban Outfitters (similar on sale!) | Blazer: J.Crew (similar from J.Crew) | Skirt: Urban Outfitters (similar on sale!) | Shoes: Lulu’s (similar) | Bracelet: J.Crew | Earrings: Kate Spade

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Espadrille Envy

4 Jun

If I had to pick my obsession of the moment it would easily be espadrilles. I really can’t explain why, but there’s a good chance the warm weather has something to do with it. Espadrilles have  been a classic summer staple for as long as I can remember. I remember the first time I fell in love with these roped, canvas shoes. When I was little, my mom had the cutest pair of silver metallic espadrilles. I secretly told myself that when I was older I’d wear them. Unfortunately, things didn’t turn out as planned. My feet ended up being a whole shoe size bigger than my mom, so I completely bypassed my chance to fit in the beloved espadrilles. As sad as I am that I never got to wear them, I am comforted by the fact that there are endless modern day options for me to choose from.

I already have a pair of wedge espadrilles, so my current obsession focuses on the flat version of these summer shoes. Tory Burch has a ton of really cute wedge/flat options if anyone else is on the hunt like I currently am!

Espadrille Flats, Espadrille Wedges

Top: Sam Edelman | ASOS | Tory Burch

Middle: Michael Kors | Tory Burch | Urban Outfitters

Bottom: Michael Kors | Tory Burch | J.Crew

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Bodycon

3 Jun

Sometimes you’re just not in the mood to put together an outfit. It’s days like these when a dress is a no-brainer. You don’t have to stress about pairing the perfect top with the right bottoms, which is perfectly fine with me. Now that it’s dress season, I am constantly reminded that I need to hit the gym more. We had such a long winter,  I think I was in denial that the temperatures would ever rise. This mentality only caused me to put working out on the bottom of my to-do list. I’ve slowly been getting back into a workout routine, and it’s been a lot easier than I imagined (luckily). For me, the hardest part is the process of actually going to the gym. Once I’m there, it’s smooth sailing!

Bar III Brown and Black Striped Dress

Bar lII Striped Bodycon Dress

On another note, I got four inches of my hair cut off last week! I like to keep my hair long and only get it cut a few times a year, so it’s safe to say I’m not very adventurous in the hair department! I decided to get a little extra off this time, and I’m happy with my decision. I’m hoping this will cut down on the ridiculous amount of time it takes for me to straighten my hair!

Bar III black and brown striped dress

Bar III Striped Dress

Dress: Bar III (similar) | Shoes: Lulu’s (similar) | Bracelet: J.Crew | Ring: Unknown (similar)

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Black and Yellow

30 May

Yellow Forever 21 Blazer, Gianni Bini Leather Shorts

Black and yellow is always a tricky combination when it comes to fashion. My biggest fear when I want to match the two colors is that I’m going to end up looking like a bumble bee (a well-dressed bumble bee, but a bumble bee no less). For this complex color combination I’ve come up with one simple solution: let one color make the statement. In today’s outfit, the yellow blazer is obviously doing all the talking! I wanted to keep the rest of the look simple, so as not to look like a busy bee ;) .

I like to add small pops of color whenever possible to complement the statement color, which is yellow in this case. I love the way yellow and turquoise look together, so I opted for some turquoise earrings and a bangle. I’ve also come to the conclusion that these heels are in my top 5 favorite shoes of all time. When I’m putting an outfit together, these are literally the first pair I gravitate toward. My next shoe purchase is going to have some tough competition!

Yellow Forever 21 Blazer, Gianni Bini Leather Shorts, Anne Michelle Enzo Ankle Strap Heels

Anne Michelle Enzo Ankle Strap Heels, Gianni Bini Leather Shorts, Yellow Forever 21 Blazer

Forever 21 Yellow Blazer, Gianni Bini Leather shorts, J.Crew Pave Links Bracelet, Sequin Bangle

Yellow Forever 21 Blazer, Gianni Bini Leather Shorts

Top: Ya Los Angeles (similar) | Blazer: Forever 21 (similar) | Shorts: Gianni Bini (similar on sale!) | Shoes: Lulu’s (similar) | Jewelry: J.Crew, Sequin | Nail Polish: Essie ‘Mod Square’

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Bauble Wish List: Spikes

29 May

I’ll be the first to admit that I have always steered clear of anything spiked. I’ve always associated spiked jewelry with Hot Topic, and to be honest, Hot Topic just isn’t my jam. Recently though, I’ve come to soften my stance on spikes (pun intended). I think I stayed away from them because I always envisioned those spiked chokers that are just plain terrifying! Those days are long gone though, because spiked jewelry is having a major moment right now. What I love about the current take on this trend is that the spikes are presented in an understated way. They aren’t as intimidating or threatening as they used to seem (I hope I’m not the only one who was scared of those chokers I mentioned). Today’s options come in sleek golds and silvers, and are often accompanied with pavé stones and other colorful gems. These spiked options are inviting to everyone, and are sure to become a staple in your summer wardrobe.

Spiked Jewelry

Top: Tasha Bracelet | Stella & Dot Bracelet | Hive & Honey Necklace

Middle: Topshop Earrings | Panacea Cuff

Bottom: Baublebar Bracelet | Baublebar Necklace | Hive & Honey Necklace

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Orange & Double Denim

21 May

I’m back after a brief hiatus! To put it lightly, real estate classes are kicking my butt. Instead of sharing my sob story, I’ll just focus on the good news: only four classes left! I’m looking forward to getting back to normal, and to give some much needed attention to my blog. Even though I’ve missed posting daily, I have to admit that it’s kind of nice taking a break from the Internet! You don’t realize just how much time you spend glaring at your computer screen until you’re forced to take a break from it.

Sigrid Olsen jean jacket, AG White Jeans

Orange Forever 21 Top, Sigrid Olsen Denim Jacket, Anthropologie Bubble Necklace

I wore this outfit for my birthday dinner a few weeks ago. I can’t believe it’s already been a few weeks since my birthday (time flies!). I had class on my birthday, so I had to rush home and put together an outfit in time to race out the door and meet my friends downtown. As much as I love to wear a dress on special occasions, it was a rainy, dreary day. That’s when I reached for my trusty white jeans. I have a slight obsession with white denim, and truly believe that wearing white is one of the greatest parts of summer. If I’m not wearing a dress, you can find me wearing my white AG jeans. They’re the perfect go-to on those warm nights when you want little to no fuss when styling an outfit.

Orange Forever 21 Top, Sigrid Olsen Denim Jacket, Anthropologie Bubble Necklace

AG Adriano Goldschmied White Jeans, Orange Forever 21 Top

AG Adriano Goldschmied White Jeans, Sigrid Olsen Denim Jacket

Top: Forever 21 (similar) | Jacket: Sigrid Olsen (similar) | Jeans: AG (similar) | Necklace: Anthropologie (similar) | Bracelets: J.Crew, Sequin | Shoes: Tahari (similar) | Nails: Essie ‘Mod Square’

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Champagne Pick-Me-Up

14 May

I truly feel like I’ve been neglecting my baby (blog) the past few weeks! I have been so overwhelmed and consumed with class, that I’ve had to take a little break from posting anything. Luckily in two weeks, I’ll be back to posting regularly (fingers crossed that I pass my test!). Speaking of sitting in a classroom getting lectured all day, I have been getting extra excited to end the week with a celebratory cocktail. We all know that champagne is my go-to  drink, and what could be better than a glass of champagne? How about a champagne cocktail?

I scoured through Food Gawker to find some refreshing-looking champagne cocktails that would be the perfect way to relax after a long day. Now, if only this week would speed up so I could “test out” some of these drinks!

blackberry-mint-julep-scene

Sparkling Blackberry Mint Julep

DSC_1119-001

Razz-Apple Champagne Slushies

French-75-FoodieCrush-004

Bubbly French 75 Cocktail

Follow me on Pinterest for more cocktail inspiration!

P.S. – One of my all-time favorite shows, 90210, ended last night. It ran for five years, and I’ve watched it from the beginning. I honestly feel like I could go into a depression now that it’s over! Even though it’s considered a “high school” show, there was always something about it I absolutely loved. I’d be lying if I said I didn’t shed a few tears while watching the final episode. Don’t you hate when your favorite shows end?

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