Tuesday Shoesday : Golden Goose

I know I've mentioned Golden Goose Deluxe Brand before, but only recently have I began justifying the fact that outfits look cool with the reason being that these sneakers are in them. Golden Goose founded by designers Francesca and Alessandro Gallo's love of art and fashion. The Inverno 14/15 collection explains that these are styles for the confident woman who is running around the skatepark. While that explanation isn't so clearly me at first (you probably would never find me on a skatepark, let's be honest), I do however take a lot of inspiration from the styles worn in that type of environment sometimes. I love how these sneakers remind me of your rocker friends perfectly worn-in kicks and I like to say that if these were in my closet, I'd be instantly cooler. Don't you think? I love the star logo and and subtle gold type. Unfortunately, they're a bit pricey...so for now I'll keep dreaming. Gold star, Golden Goose!

Dress Up

Image via

For today's Dress Up post, it's not necessarily a particular dress being featured, but a style and idea--sequins and glitter! When the holidays start to roll around, nearly every store has some sort of garment covered in glitz. Now that the holidays are in full-swing, it's almost as if the sparkling lights adorning the neighborhoods have found their way indoors and onto the clothes. When it comes to sequins, I'm not picky. Gold, matte gunmetal, pale pink or anywhere in between and I'm ready to throw it on and twirl. That can't be just me, right? With sparkly dresses specifically, I've found that I'm more a fan of simple silhouettes. The sequins say plenty enough and having a simple shape keeps the focus on the shine and allows you to appreciate the quality of the sparkle in itself without being distracted from the style of the dress. Although, I've got to admit, when anything is covered in sparkles I automatically pay attention. Have you all found any sparkly holiday dresses for Christmas or New Years yet? Surprisingly, I only own one. The dark navy sequins and open back keeps it exactly as I like it--simple but statement-making and reserved for special occasions.

Happy Friday and happy hunting!

What are you all up to this weekend? I'm heading to Austin, TX for a road trip with the family for some much needed outdoor trails and killer vintage. This girl needs a new pair of cowboy boots!

Home Improvement

 / Photo from The Life Styled /

As much as I love color, I have a special place for neutrals, as well. However, even with neutrals I can shift between both ones with texture and prints and ones that are super monochromatic and solid. This week's Home Improvement post features a living room setting that has a glamorous feel using neutrals of gold, blacks, creams, and whites, but playing up the lack of color with glitter, polka dots, chevron, and fur throws. The light colored couch, walls, and table keep the room light and airy and allow the accent pillows to provide the perfect amount of pop and interest to the space. Can't you totally picture sitting here reading stacks of magazines and chatting with girlfriends?

What do you think of printed and textured neutrals in this week's room?

PS-How amazing is that gold pillow?

Kendra Scott

/ 1. / 2. / 3. /.4. /

Going to college in the East Coast, I sometimes forget how trends differ depending on location. This summer while I was at home in Texas, I repeatedly came across friends wearing bright and simple jewelry pieces that were worn with everything from cuttoffs to cocktail dresses. Time after time, I was told they were 'Kendra'. I soon learned that the 'Kendra' was in reference to none other than jewelry designer and Texas native, Kendra Scott. As much as statement necklaces are fun to wear, Kendra's pieces make every bit of that statement, while also being classic pieces that you will wear on a daily basis. Below I gathered four of my favorites. I love how they are all delicate pieces, but still manage to have a bit of a raw and organic shape to them, as well. 

Are you a fan of Kendra Scott's jewelry? What is your favorite piece of hers? I'd love to know.

TWENTY

/ 1. Topshop Dress / 2. Anthropologie Belt / 3. Birthday Cupcake / 4. Illamasqua Lipstick in 'matte warm pink' / 5. Asos Heels /

When it comes to birthday celebrations, I either love to go all out, or super simple. Since going to college, my birthday always falls on the first official weekend back at school, so my celebrations are more low-key and focused on being with friends and remembering to celebrate before the workload gets heavy. This year, I turned 20. Two decades old deserves some celebration in my book, and the pieces above certainly seem as if they would make turning twenty feel as fabulous as everyone says it is supposed to be. With a perfectly feminine, yet simple, light pink party dress, sparkly belt, understated heels that pack the interest in the gold ankle bands, a lipstick that adds just the right amount of pop to your pout, and a cupcake to celebrate, this is my ideal twentieth birthday look to ring in my twenties and bid adieu to my teens. 

How did you celebrate your twentieth birthday? Any advice for my twenties?

Fluted Florals

/ H&M Jacket and Ring / Forever 21 Top and Necklace / Zara Skirt / Sam Edelman heels / Brandy Melville Arrow Ring / J.Crew Bracelet /

I always find it interesting how trends come in and out of style. Since the rise and fall of hi-low dresses and everything accented with a peplum, it is safe to say that one of the main current trends is none other than the fluted hem. I had my eye on this fluted floral skirt from Zara for a while, and when they had their sale last week, I caved. I haven't added something floral to my wardrobe in a while (mostly stripes and neutrals lately) and the colors in this skirt are so dreamy- while floral, they are not as overtly feminine as usual. When paired with my favorite frayed-edge button down, kelly green suede moto jacket, and lots of fun jewelry, this is an outfit that was perfect for my sunday best--even when I had nothing planned.

What do you think? Are you a fluted fan?

Black Basics

//Tank: Topshop//Shorts: Zara//Ankle Boots: Target//Bag: Vintage//Necklace: Forever 21//Ring: H&M//Watch: Michael Kors//

When it comes to jeans and a t-shirt, I was never really that kind of girl. As much as I appreciate a crisp white shirt and perfectly worn-in denim, I have never really felt comfortable when I wear them together. When it comes to the denim and a t-shirt idea, throwing on these faux leather Zara shorts and my favorite worn-in tank is the closest I got to. Basics to me are about simplicity and with an all black palette, gold accessories, and full-on comfort, this felt just as basic as an easy jeans and a t-shirt look, but with a little more interest and style instead.

What is one of your favorite basics in your wardrobe?

Tuesday Shoesday

As long as it is cold here in Syracuse, "Tuesday Shoesday" will most likely be filled with boots. While I can't wait to bare my legs again in the Spring, these Tory 'Daniella' riding boots, made me remember why I can hold out a little longer. Although she used to be known for her 'Reva' ballet flats and tunics, Tory Burch, in my opinion, makes some of the best boots. Perfectly combining structure, style, and luxury, boots by Tory Burch are always lust-worthy and consistently flattering. And, with their rich brown coloring with gold hardware and a perforated logo, they have just enough details that complement the style without taking away from the success of the shoe itself. 

Who are some of your favorite boot designers?

Tuesday Shoesday

//Image//

When i saw these Chloe "Susan" studded ankle boots, it is pretty obvious why I was obsessed. With their gold triple buckled hardware and studded design, as well as the perfect red coloring, and feeling of a slight rock and roll vibe to them, I instantly began pairing outfits in my head of how fabulous they would may anything I put with them look. Not so fabulous, though was their $1, 345 price tag. Quickly, like most fabulous fashions, knockoffs appeared quickly, first at Zara and later, where I scooped them up--Forever 21. For basically $1,300 less than the originals, I purchased a pair inspired by the great originators, and wear them with all of the same outfits that I had planned to when I first saw them.

Herringbone

Topshop T-shirt//Forever 21 Necklace// Skirt that I made// Steve Madden shoes// and Michael Kors watch

As much as I love colors, I really appreciate garments that have interesting patterns and textures. When I made this skirt last year, I was drawn to the corduroy fabric that instead of the typical ribbing that is associated with corduroy, had an interesting herringbone pattern on it. I have always enjoyed pairing long sleeves with shorter skirts or shorts, and on the abnormally warm December day that we had in Houston on Sunday, this was a perfect outfit for meeting up with some friends for coffee. 

Denim Mini

{ By Corpus coat, Zara sweater, Topshop overall-dress, H&M tights, Forever 21 necklace, Michael Kors watch, and Mossimo Supply Co. ankle boots}

Denim mini skirts were the article of clothing that adorned every pre-teen girl in middle school. From crystal embellished to embroidery, every style was created for these popular minis. Since then, that trend has long faded, and what once used to be reserved for toddlers, elementary children, and My Twin dolls, came into style--The Overalls. While I am not brave enough to attempt the full-on overall style, this denim mini dress reminds me of the denim mini skirts that I used to love in middle school. With it's simple shape and the neutrality of the denim, it can be paired with basically anything just like your favorite pair of jeans. In wearing mine with a black and white striped sweater, black tights, and gold accessories, it is still a fairly basic look, but far different than what would be though of traditionally when associated with overalls. 

Oxblood

{H&M sweater, Vintage bag, KATE heels, Rodarte + Opening Ceremony skirt, Forever 21 necklace, and Michael Kors watch}

A pencil skirt and sweater seems like a classic go-to style for almost any occassion. When I saw this piece from the Tibi fall 2012 collection, something about the ordinary skirt and sweater combination that seemed so simple before, suddenly made me want to go on a hunt for an amazing leather version and to attempt at more monochromatic looks, as well. This Rodarte + Opening ceremony paneled slit skirt is really special. The fact that it's a pencil skirt, but that it has slits that go up a little higher than usual, make it not only a unique piece, but one that is also fun to wear. In an almost monochromatic sweater and skirt pairing--though the skirt is more oxblood and the sweater more burgundy-- I added simple gold jewelry, a patterned bag, and leopard heels to add a bit more interest. 

Scalloped with an Edge

{Madewell dress, Topshop vest, Forever 21 purse, Target boots, Michael Kors watch, Unknown necklace, and Essie's "Mojito Maddness" polish}

As much as I love scalloped edges for their delicate and feminine quality, sometimes they can be the perfect girlier aspect of an outfit to juxtapose with more typically edgy pieces like leopard and (faux) leather. I love this dress for it's amazing ability to take layers well. In starting with the dress and then adding from there, a simple and pretty dress turns into a stylish look that appears quite put-together, but is easy to wear, as well. 

Tuesday Shoesday

Although cap-toe shoes have been lust after since Chanel introduced her first pair of shoes in this style in 1957, today they can be see nearly anywhere and in varieties from over-the-knee to flats and everywhere in between. Today's shoe of the week is the J. Crew "Etta". Not only is this pump amazing in that it is covered in celebration-worthy gold with a ladylike camel cap, but, with a thicker heel, you'll be actually able to dance in them, as well. And, if you are in the mood to get really crafty, Refinery29 has a DIY on how to cap-toe any shoe to your desire. 

How would you wear this cap-toe look? I think "Etta" would look amazing toned down with a pair of relaxed jeans, basic t-shirt, and bold statement jewelry to top it off. What are your ideas?

Seeing Spots

{Necessary Clothing blouse, Forever 21 skirt (old), Michael Kors watch and sandals, GAP body camisole}

While I always wear this blouse because it goes with absolutely anything, I was tired of wearing it with the usual navy skirt. When I spotted this leopard print skirt in the corner, I loved the way that the black from the overlay and the outline of the spots mimicked the placket and pockets on the blouse. It was a fun way to switch up a usual outfit, and was the perfect way to tone down a print a bit. 

Penny For Your Thoughts

{GAP jacket, Joe Fresh T-Shirt, Forever 21 skirt, Michael Kors watch, Necessary Clothing belt, Bracelet from SoHo vender, and Topshop Penny Loafers}

When my sandals split in half a few weeks ago, I had an excuse to replace them. Of course, knowing me, I opted for a pair of penny loafers, instead. They have the perfect sort of vintage-looking-look to them while still being made in a modern sense. And, by actually sticking pennies in their little slots, have a bit of added charm, as well. I loved the way that they looked with a pleated polka dot skirt and a crisp white denim jacket and chartreuse belt.

Knot What They Seem

{Banana Republic jacket, Top from Anthropologie, Madewell shorts, Steve Madden shoes, Michael Kors watch, and Bracelet purchased from a SoHo vender}

Don't get me wrong, I love skirts just as much as the next girl. However, there are some days that you want to run around without worrying about having a Marilyn moment in the street. That's where these shorts come in handy. Yep, you read that right. Shorts. They look just as dainty and feminine as your favorite skirt, but have that added "I'm actually a pair of shorts" factor, as well. And, in this great "electric citron" color, as Madewell calls it, are perfect for summer when toned down with a great grey knotted tank.

{You can even do high kicks in New York City streets if you want. Which obviously, you do.}

Graphic Static

{Urban top, Zara skirt, Topshop necklace, Michael Kors watch, and Steve Madden shoes}

There is something that always interests me about graphic abstract things. The way that I don't know exactly what the pictures are and the fact that they look like graphic drawings of television static are part of why it is going to be one of my favorite new pieces to easily switch up for day to night pieces. When paired here with a navy skirt and a necklace that looks like shards of electricity and light, it has just the right amount of funky elements while still looking polished and not going overboard.