July Forthcomings

So once again I’ve neglected posting this week but this time for a good cause.  I’ve been working on my guest post for Envishoes.com which consists of creating four different outfits styled around one shoe.  It’s been fun and I cannot wait until it is featured (sometime this month!)

So before the holiday weekend begins, I wanted to leave you guys with an inspirational post on some great pieces to wear this weekend (and every other weekend this summer!)

These are a few of my favorite things (in clichéd red, white and blue because I’m feeling patriotic – don’t judge me!)

 

7.  Illustrated People cropped shirt, $40
5.  Cacharel cotton shorts, £84
9.  Platform heels, £120
8.  Prada handbag, £170
4.  Repossi tribal bracelet, €200
2.  Stud earrings, £40
3.  Alexander McQueen sheer scarve, $595
1.  Rag Bone fedora hat, $125

I hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday!  I cannot wait to hit the pool with a margarita and a good book.

XXoo

This Season's Crop of Tops

Inspired by a lack of comments and a new found obsession with Polyvore and corset/bustier tops, I decided to do a follow up post and share more of my favorites with you.

1.Myla corset top, $305.00
2.Corset top, $40.00
3.TopShop corset top, $40.00
4.All Saints corset top, $120.00
5.Marc Jacobs crop top, $310.00
6.Corset top, $32.00
7.Preen tank top, $355.00
8.Mara Hoffman corset top, $260.00
9.Corset top, $318.00

Given crop tops are such a huge trend would you (have you) dared to bare your stomach this season?

XXoo

Button-Down Ode

I always have a tough time dressing down because I’m such a dress-up girl.  I love my heels, dresses and skirts.  This isn’t always practical and sometimes a girl just has to wear jeans. Other than throwing on jeans with a classic cotton white tee, I’m a huge fan of jeans with variations of comfortable button-downs.

These are some of my favorite button-downs for a casual but sheek day.

The Chambray:  Not only do these tops look awesome with white jeans, they look great paired with OTHER SHADES OF DENIM.  Just don’t forget to throw on a patterned or contrasting belt to divide all that blue!

(BDG Doublecloth Breezy Boyfriend Button-Down Shirt available @ UrbanOutfitters, $29.00)

The Plaid: Not just for rednecks anymore! These plaid shirts now come in a variety of fabrics and are great for year long wear.  They look awesome with skinnies and riding boots, paired with heels or with your favorite pair of denim jean shorts.

(BDG Doublecloth Breezy Boyfriend Button Down available @ Urban Outfitters, $32.00)

The Trendy: These button-downs are oh so fun but don’t spend a ton on one because what’s in this season but might be out the next!

(Denim Knot Shirt available @ Topshop.com, $36.00)

 

The Fancy: These button-downs usually feature a fabric other than cotton.  They are the perfect addition to jeans and heels.

(Alice + Olivia Brazil 70’s Collar Button Down in Leopard Print available @ Singer22.com, $253.00)

The Classic:  This shirt is timeless (well, until it starts to yellow.) Classic white shirts look great paired with any color denim.  Throw on with a scarf and sandals for a casual look or a skirt and heels for a fancier outtake.

(MICHEAL KORS Button Down Shirt available @ Michaelkors.com, $79.50)

Here’s to you button-down shirt.  Thanks for helping me feel comfortable in jeans.

XXoo



My Favorite Outfits For Under $100

So its been quite some time since I've done one of these posts and it may be because they are the trickiest to do.  I find it's very easy to find a TON of super expensive pieces to put together for an outfit when your budget is limitless.  However, when you have such a specific mind (like my own) and get ideas stuck in your head about things you have to have to put together an outfit, sometimes it becomes difficult to keep the cost reasonable.

Today's outfit is perfect for spring-time weather.  There are so many versatile pieces you'll be able to wear all of them for many months to come in many different ways!

Round Sunnies - $14.00

(Small Round Metal Sunglasses available @ UrbanOutfitters.com, $14.00)

White Blouse - $14.99

(Charter Club Blouse, Button Front Textured Bib available @ Macy’s, $14.99)

Multi-colored Scarf - $3.24

(Multi Print Chiffon Scarf available @ Scarf Heaven Shop on Ebay.com, $3.24)

Denim Shorts - $14.80

(Stitched Detail Denim Shorts available @ Forever21, $14.80)

Leather Pouch - $9.99

Ecote Leather Pouch available @ Urban Outfitters, $9.99)

Peep-Toe Flats - $34.00

(Kimchi Blue Laser Cut Peep-Toe Skimmer available @ Urban Outfitters, $34.00)

Total Outfit Cost = $91.02.  The memories you'll have wearing such a great outfit and all these items over and over again = Priceless.

XXoo

Peachy Keen

I haven’t seen a lot of it in stores yet but one of my favorite colors this spring is peach.  This light-pinkish-orange tone looks great with denim, navy, black or tans.

Here are some of my favorite peach items for spring:

Retro Sunnies

(Peach Small Flat Top Sunglasses available @ TopShop, $32.00)

Cozy Sweaters

(Vintage Peach Cable Knit Sweater available @ American Apparel, $68.00)

Shiny Belts

(Pin-slim Patent Belt available @ J. Crew, $29.50)

Versatile Shorts

(Belted Soft Shorts available @ ASOS.com, $62.76.)

Menswear Inspired Timepieces

(Invicta Women’s 0462 Angel Collection Stainless Steel Watch available @ Endless.com, $69.99)

What are your favorite colors this spring? 

XXoo

Mid-day Cravings

If you're a fellow East-coaster, you probably know how I'm feeling right now - you're sick of layering, sick of wearing tights and dying to wear shorts and skirts and dresses.  This time of year always puts me in a mild rut where I don't want to buy anything other than summer clothing but it's still too cold to wear any of it.  So, for about the next month and a half, I contemplate buying new spring clothing because I no longer want to wear winter clothing but I'm not really into the spring clothing available either.

After many blogless weeks, I stumbled across these pieces which satisfy exactly what I'm craving right now.

Girlie Dresses

(D&G Floral-Print Linen Dress available @ NETAPORTER.com, $535.00)

Purple Suede

(Brian Atwood Platform Sandals available @ YOOX.com, $480.00)

Pastel Polish

(Sally Hansen Complete Manicure in Yellow Kitty available @ Ulta, $7.99)

Lace Knitted Tops

(White Broderie Lace Trim Vest available @ Topshop, $55.00)

Scalloped Shorts

(Blue Scallop Hem Shorts available @ Topshop, $70.00)

These items are too sweet not to crave!  What are some of your favorite spring pieces?  How do you transition in between seasons without blowing your entire paycheck?



XXoo

Crazy About Coral

*WARNING! This post may be contagious!

I have an itch.  It may have started while reading Makeup and Jeans Girl’s post on coral lipstick (check it out here http://gangsterpixiestyle.wordpress.com/2011/01/06/im-dying-here/) but it’s getting out of control. 

I immediately ran out (during my lunch break) and found a great shade of coral lipstick by Wet and Wild at my closest Rite Aid.  (Sidenote. I’ve been on a serious lipstick binge lately.  I’d compare it to crack addiction honestly. Not like I know what that feels like but my stash of lipstick in various shades is growing daily.  I NEED MORE!)

I still haven’t had a chance to wear my new shade yet, (I’m searching for the perfect navy trouser and possibly slightly warmer weather first)but I certainly enjoy pulling it out of my purse every so often and looking at it.

Now back to my itch.  I don’t think I’m the only one that will have this extreme need to go out and buy a ton of things coral and wear coral lipstick. (Note. Saw Heidi Klum rocking a great shade on her lips last night on the Golden Globes.) ANYWAYS.  This itch is super contagious and the only cure is more coral. As my itch grows stronger, I’ve begun to think of other great things I can wear in coral.

Obviously, lipstick is a great start.

(Revlon Moondrops Frost Lipstick in Hot Coral available @ Your Local Drugstore, $7.98)

(Mood Lipstick in Orange available @ Forever21, $2.80)

And for me, shoes are a no brainer.  (I think I need a second job just to support my shoe habit.)

(LILA Coral Bow Platform Sandals available @TopShop, $185.00)

(Scarlett Coral Suede Peep Toe Shoe available @ TopShop, $135.00)

(Lanvin Espadrille Wedges available @ Barneys NY, $550.00)

Fun flirty dresses

(Milk Mason One Shoulder Silk Dress available @ ShopatMilk.com, $207.00)

(BCBGMaxazria Beaded Teared Silk Dress available @ Lord & Taylor, $80.40)

And of course, great accessories!

(Tuleste Market Rose Gold and Coral Resin Circle Pendant Chain Necklace available @ Bluefly.com, $79.99)

(Circle Gypsy Earrings available @ Forever21, $3.80)

Don't say I didn't warn you!

XXoo

I Hope Everyone Notices, I Showed Up Nude Today

I still regret deciding to buy grey peep toe Christian Louboutins over nude ones two years ago.  There have been so many occasions that I've longed for that addition of a great flesh colored shoe in my closet and alas, there aren't any in there.

The popularity of camel is helping earth tones come back in a big way.  Along with olive green, nude tones are sure to be a big hot for spring and next summer.

In my constant struggle to add color (nude is a color right?) to my wardrobe, I've begun to look for great pieces in this lighter shade of tan.

Here are some of my favorite things I've found thus far.

I love a great nude top.  This top would look great with jeans and heels for a date night or with a pencil skirt to work.  The combinations are endless!  Great investment shirt!

(Petite Nude Crop Tab Sleeve Collarless Shirt available @ TopShop, $70.00)

Three words. Marc. Jacobs. Clutch.



(Marc Jacobs Fold Over Clutch available @ MyTheresa.com, $512.69)

Jumpsuits are on the rise and its easy to see why!  (You don't have to find a shirt to match your pants or vice versa.)  This one is sure to be uber cozy and sheek.  Thakoon makes GREAT clothing.  Pair it with a patterned scarf or a great pair of earrings.

(Thakoon Metallic Stripe Silk-Blend Jumpsuit available @ THEOUTNET.com, $540.00)

I love Stella McCartney for a few reasons. 1.) She follows me on Twitter. (True story.) 2.) She is vegan and makes all of her garments accordingly. 3.)You can wear her designs over and over again - they are timeless!

(Stella McCartney Python Print Cashmere and Silk Scarf available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $472.50)

I'm SO excited for the return of Halston.  As a HUGE Billy Joel fan and fashion lover, I began to search for great vintage Halston pieces the first time I heard the song, "Big Shot."

 (Halston Heritage Pleated Flower Dress available @ MyTheresa.com, $523.21)

It may be pricey for a necklace but it'll go with anything.  Imagine Cameron Diaz when she wore a necklace similar to this one (but turquoise) with a fabulous white gown.
 

(Balos Necklace available @ Anthropologie, $180.00)

The elusive Christian Louboutin pumps I still regret not getting.  I'll get them one day!

(Christian Louboutin Very Prive 120 Patent Peep Toe Pump available @ Footcandyshoes.com, $795.00)



Many people have reoccurring nightmares about showing up to school or work completely nude.  For me, it’s something I look forward to.

XXoo



Take A Hike!

I love the idea of these heeled "hiking" boots.  I'd also love to see someone actually hiking a mountain in any of these but unless you are extremely brave (or extremely ignorant) these boots would look much better paired with a flannel shirt and scarf than paired with a mountain trail.

Here are a few of my favorite hiking inspired boots this season.


This first pair is affordable and cute(and also available in black!)  I'm a HUGE fan of the faux sheepskin fold down - I'm buying this pair to wear with dark denim skinnies and a boyfriend flannel.

(Lace Up Shearling Bootie available @ Charlotte Russe, $30)

This pair is the perfect shade of brown.  The double ankle straps help to accentuate any ankle (in a positive way, I promise)and would look perfect with a cozy sweater dress.

(Dolce Vita Women's Joelle Boot available @ Endless.com, $219)

In my opinion, Diane Von Furstenburg can do no wrong.  DVF is known for updated versions of classic styles and these boots are no different.  (Think heeled moccasin.) Trendy but worth the investment, this pair could be worn for years to come due to its simplicity.

(Diane Von Furstenburg Jameson Hiking Booties available @ Shopbop.com, $395)

These Elizabeth and James booties are also worth investing in.  On trend for more than one reason (they're suede, platformed, a bootie, have laces and feature a neutral color)they'll fit in for seasons to come.

(Elizabeth and James Moxie Suede Hiking Booties available @ Shopbop.com, $395)

Under $30, these boots are another great buy this season.  Can be passed off as a hiking, grunge or military inspired boot - all HUGE trends right now.

(Workman Lace Up Bootie available at Forever21, $27.90)

Topshop is known for selling affordable yet on-trend items and these boots are no different.  These won't break the bank and are a great alternative to wearing heels this winter.  (Guaranteed to keep your feet warmer too!  Hopefully.)

(Arella2 Heeled Hiking Boots available @ Topshop, $190)



Embarrassingly enough, I love this next pair of boots because they remind me of 2 shoes I (shamelessly) owned and loved growing up. Penny Loafers and Timberland boots.  Enough said.

(Tory Burch Howard Wedge Hiking Boots available @ ToryBurch.com, $395)

I love this next pair.  They remind me of the snow boots I threw into the backseat of my car last winter for emergency purposes.  Granted, the ones in my backseat - yes, they are still in my backseat - don't have a heel but if I owned these at the time I might've tried to wear them in the snow (especially after all wine we drank to stay warm.)

(Nine West Shoes Joss Booties available @ Macy's, $190)

Even though this last pair is the most expensive, (I have champagne taste remember,) they are one of my favorite heeled boots this season.  I think its because something about them screams "I can kick your ass!  Wear me hiking up a mountain or to war, I'll keep your feet warm too!"

(Rag & Bone Mallory Leather Lace Up Ankle Boots available @ NET-A-PORTER.com, $815)

In all, it's worth investing in at least one pair of heeled hiking boots this season.  No one wants to wear pumps or riding boots all winter and take note - Uggs don't dress up well (so please stop trying people.) 

XXoo



The Color Black

One of my all time favorite colors to wear is black.  Some might say always wearing or owning so much black is morbid or boring but done the right way black is anything but!  Black remains a perfect choice for a formal event, office meeting, or night out.  Just pair it with the right accessories to make it appropriate for each occasion.  Here are a few of my favorite black things this month...

The Tuxedo Blazer.  I'm a HUGE fan of classic pieces that can be worn more than once season.  For a new twist on an old classic, go with this season's favorite fabric - jersey.  I love this blazer because it can be worn over a dress, with any type of pant and can be dressed up or down.

(Ian Matte Jersey Tuxedo Blazer available at Bloomingdales, $585)

The Bootie.  Not only is this a great bootie, it captures so many of this seasons MUST have elements. 1.) It's suede. 2.) It's a wedge. 3.) It's a bootie.  Booties have been around several seasons now and their everlasting presence have shown us something they are 100% worth investing in.

(D & G Dolce & Gabbana Wedge Bootie available on Endless.com, $615)

High-waisted Leggings.  Boring plain black leggings have been way over done.  This season, its fun to switch up the plain leggings and go with something a little different.  I love the high-waited legging because even if your legs aren't super long, everyone will think they are!

(Tall High-Waisted Leggings from Topshop USA, $40)

Trouser Pants.  I want trouser pants in more colors than just black.  Black is a good color to purchase your first pair in because they will go with everything.  This 90's revival can be worn with flats and a hat for a Heburn-esq feel or with heels and a blazer for a night out or in the office.

(3.1 Philip Lim Drapered Trousers available at MyTheresa.com, $487)



The Structured Bag.  Move over slouchy hobo bags and insert structured tote like bags.  A good structured bag will last for many years and is perfect for work, happy hour or a night out with friends.  This season it is ALL about lines, fit, and structure!

(Fendi Structured Leather Tote available at MyTheresa.com, $1,677)

XXoo