Dress Up

I have always been a fan of simple designs that have surprise details that pack a punch. When I saw the back of this neon pink dress on Pinterest, I did what any other crazed pinner would do, and stalked until I found it. Lo and behold, this week's 'dress up' feature was found on E's Closet Boutique. The 'Mallory' is one of those dresses that is perfect for a college student. Easy to wear, sophisticated but still fun, flattering, and affordable, this is piece that be just as transitional for a sorority formal as it can for wedding or birthday party. And, obviously, the punchy neon is one of my favorite kinds of pink.

What do you think about this 'Mallory' dress? I'd love to hear!

Lasered

/ Forever 21 dress / DIY Sunnies / Ellen Tracy heels / Zara purse / Michael Kors watch / Brandy Melville ring / Necklace from Austin, TX 

I certainly have my fair share of black dresses in my closet. From short and sheer to long and formal, black dresses are such a wardrobe staple that really are perfect for nearly any occasion. However, even with my extensive array there was a certain style that still was lacking: laser cut and leather. I love wearing garments that have special detailing to them. Unfortunately, that detailing often comes with a special price, as well. When I saw this dress at Forever 21 last week for under thirty dollars, I knew it was the perfect piece to fill in the gap in my wardrobe in both its style and price.

Do you have a little black dress gap in your wardrobe? What style are you looking for?

Tuesday Shoesday

Arson Flame Western Boots

When Isabel Marant's fall 2012 collection showed last spring, I knew that its Southwestern filled show with details such as laser-cut suede, button-downs and dresses with embroidered yokes, and skinny leather pants was going to be a favorite. While the clothes were obviously amazing, the shoes held just as much of my interest and perfectly complimented each garment. This week's pair of shoes, though Topshop instead of Marant, mimic the similar western toe cutout detailing, but at a much more reasonable price. Not that I'll stop dreaming of the originals. With the shoe being mostly velvet, it provides a unique look and feel that is perfect for fall and winter aside from the usual leather ankle boot and is an effortless way to incorporate the Southwestern trend.

Dress Up

{via}

Okay, so this week's Dress Up post is a little more of a party dress than something that you would wear on the regular, but can we take a minute and admire this alice + olivia piece? As you know, I am a sucker for anything with a bit of leopard, and it is almost always the perfect accent look to an outfit. When I saw this dress, I fell in love. Everything about it works down to the small details, like the slight curve of the neck-line and the fact that it is long sleeved. This is the perfect dress for a special occasion, in that every part of it has a special feel that there is a lot put into it--the leopard pattern is made from black sequins to form the spots, and there is a sheer open scoop panel in the back that while not a new concept, feels fresh and unique for this design. With cooler weather beginning to appear, a dress like this is spot-on for any special soiree that would find its' way onto your calendar. 

Have a great weekend, everyone!

A to Z: Calligraphy

For a good amount of time now, I have been loving anything and everything calligraphy related. The way that the type looks so hand-made and intricate is something that is really aesthetically appealing. The term "calligraphy" comes from Greek words that translate to "beauty writing"and is "the art of giving form to signs in an expressive, harmonious, and skillful manner". (Mediavilla 1996:18) I have found myself lately looking up calligraphy tutorials on-line and trying to replicate the delicate curves and combination of thick and thin lines that make up the final design. Let me tell you, it is definitely more difficult than it appears. So, for now, here are some of my favorite designs that I have been seeing.

{A way to add detail to a traditional Thank You note}

{Hand addressing by Ladyfingers Letterpress}

{Or just amazing doodles}

Have you ever had an interest in calligraphy or typography of any kind? Some of my favorites are always ones with the higher amount of ribbons. What about you?

* New York script from Sugar Paper, Los Angeles *

Lovely Lattice

{Isaac Mizrahi for Target top, Forever 21 skirt, Michael Kors watch, and Madewell oxfords}

When it comes to basic pieces, changes in the little details, like adding lattice-style cutouts to the sleeves on this Isaac Mizrahi top, are what make them special. By pairing this festive skirt with a navy blouse instead of a more neutral tone, it brings the outfit to more of an everyday summer style instead of 4th of July.