Leopard, Stripes and Lace

Forever 21 dress (similar) / Sam Edelman shoes / Anthropologie sunglasses / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse with pom pom from Z Gallerie / Michael Kors watch

Out of all of the dress that I have, this is definitely one of my favorites. The combination of delicate white lace contrasted with the harsh black stripes was unique, and the drop waist style was comfortable and easy to wear during the summer months. Since I've had it, I have found how wearable and versatile it actually is. I unexpectedly decided to try it out with a recent leopard flat purchase, and loved the outcome that came with adding another pattern into the mix. 

It's been quite dreary and rainy here in Houston the past few days, so hopefully it will brighten up before the 4th comes around. Happy July, everyone!

Leopard // Snakeskin

/ 1.State top via Lord and Taylor / Forever 21 shorts (old) / H&M clutch / Banana Republic wedges (old) / and Michael Kors watch / 

Pattern mixing used to be one of my favorite things to do--stripes and floral, leopard and camouflage, you name it and I would mix and match them. More recently I've been into toning it down a bit (or at least trying to refine the mashup) and this is what I came up with for a more post-grad look to the younger way I would dress before. Choosing two patterns (a sort of heart shaped leopard and colored snakeskin), I kept the prints a similar size and used a neutral top with interesting textures and wedges in a similar color as my silky shorts to pull everything together. 

PS: Sorry the coloring is a bit off--the lighting was a bit difficult to brighten :)

Dressy / Casual

/ Vintage Levi's (via Urban Outfitters) / Target booties (old) / Kate Spade top (via Nordstrom's Rack) / H&M coat (old, $15!) / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target purse / Michael Kors watch / 

In not posting for a while, I found a few photos that I had taken over the past few months that I didn't find the time to actually put up. But hey, how amazing is this coat? I had to share. 

Being the sort of coat hoarder that I am, I will find any reason to add a new coat to my collection. However, when I found this one a few years ago at H&M marked down to $15 I couldn't resist. The metallic sheen and cropped sleeves seemed like a fresh addition to my wardrobe, and the weight of it makes it perfect for transition weather. With the coat being the main statement, keeping the rest to classic neutrals like vintage cuffed denim, black ankle boots, and a grey shell with just the right amount of detail on the sleeves seemed like the perfect additions to pull the rest of the look together.

Tuesday Shoesday: Slip-ons

1  / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

Did anyone else have a pair of Vans in middle school? Mine were polka dotted (I didn't think I could pull of the checkered ones) and I loved how they could be thrown on with basically anything. So, when slip-ons came back in style the past year or so, I was reminded of those I had from middle school but hesitant to get back into them again. After holding off for a while, I finally found the pair I had been searching for (#1) a pair of suede Vince ones at Nordstrom Rack for under $60 on clearance and instantly was hooked again. They are incredibly comfortable, have a sort of ease about them (no laces!), and just like the sneakers from yesterday's post, make nearly any outfit so much cooler. 

Do you have a pair of slip-ons? I think next I'll try a pair in the ankle style.

Fall Prep

/ GAP dress / Target tights / 9 West boots (old) / Baublebar necklace / Old Navy baseball cap (on sale!) / Michael Kors watch / 

So sorry, everyone! I had mentioned I was going to share this look last week and completely forgot! As I pulled out this dress to wear today (in a completely different way!), I thought you'd all like to see. 

I live in plaid once fall comes around and basically stay in it until the school year is over. As I mentioned in this post from a few weeks ago, this Gap shirtdress filled the void in my closet for plaid that wasn't in the form of a mens flannel--but still had the comfort of one. After my first law exam (help!), I thought that the felt baseball cap that I had been eyeing from Old Navy was deserved for at least finishing the exam. I've recently became obsessed with them and while I'm still not completely convinced that I can pull them off, I love the way that they can add a sort of sporty-prep to a look when paired with chunky rhinestones, leopard, classic riding boots--and obviously plaid.

 Hope everyone has a great start to the week. Can you believe it's already November?!

Favorite Fall Patterns

1 / 2 / 3 (sold out!) / 4 / 5

Everyone has their favorite prints and patterns that they can't wait to specifically pull out for a certain season. For me, fall and winter are always associated with leopard and plaid. While leopard is a favorite of mine year-round, there is something about pairing it with wooly coats and sweaters that makes it particularly a favorite during cooler weathered months. As for plaid, going to Syracuse I absolutely can't live without my L.L. Bean fleece-lined flannels. They are absolute lifesavers and I've managed to hook about four of my friends onto them. With my oversized mens flannels as such a go-to during fall and winter here, I was in need of an equally comfortable, warm, and still stylish option but with something in a more feminine shape. Enter the GAP plaid shirtdress. As soon as I saw this during the GAP sale I knew that I needed it. While clearly not as warm as my beloved mens flannels, it is heavily lined for the weather and the colors of the plaid in it look great with my favorite leopard Zara chelsea boots--I've already checked. Look out for a post with this dress later in the week!

Have you ever mixed leopard + plaid? What are your favorite patterns to mix?

Tuesday Shoesday : J. Crew Flats

Assorted J . Crew flats : 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 

I am not a big investor in shoes. While I love, appreciate, and 'dream pin' them, when it comes to actually purchasing shoes, I find them to be such an investment and a big deal. As a result of being on my feet a lot, I go through them quickly and as a result, purchasing good quality shoes always leaves me worrying how quickly they will be in need of repair. As a frequent shopper of Target and Old Navy when in need of a simple shoe for the season, my feet are often left in terrible shape and by the end of the summer, the shoes usually end up being thrown away instead of just a quick repair to keep them looking good for the next season. 

As the weather has already started shifting here in Syracuse with the start of September, I found myself thinking that it may be time to retire my summer gladiator sandals and look for a new fall staple that will actually work all year round--the classic ballerina flat. J. Crew's shoes are always extremely well-made and they are quality shoes that I can feel when I wear them--not to mention come in every pattern and color under the sun. With a gift card that has been in my wallet for a record amount of time, I can't think of a better investment to put them towards than this chic and classic style. I'm leaning toward the perfect milky nude. 

What are your favorite pair of ballerina flats?

Instagram Updates 2

Alright, everyone. So, if it hadn't felt fully like October recently, it finally kicked in for me this past week that it is really fall. Having been living on the East Coast for the past few years now, I get that feeling when the seasons change, and it's a great feeling to get to be able to experience four times a year. That being said, above are some of my Instagram Updates for the second round of this series. 

1. Knitting class can get a little dull when it comes to a five hour studio with industrial knitting machines. Between each knit and purl we bring some liveliness to the small space with a bit of play. Also, although the class isn't necessarily my favorite--the room full of never-ending colors of yarns is certainly something exciting to walk into each time. Photo via Tevy Nuon's Instagram.

2. I have actually grown to really like the process of draping and find the class interesting, although the work-load can be insane at times. This was a quick snapshot of a dirndl skirt I had draped waiting for critique. 

3. Early-mid October weather recently has been cool in the mornings and then evening out to around low seventies in the afternoon. This is ideal for mixing shorts and jackets, or dresses and boots. I took to the first combination and paired a favorite pair of denim shorts with a classic utility jacket while I still can. With all of the orange and red leaves falling fast everywhere, I can't help but stop to jump in a few piles as I pass them. Can you blame me?

4. Not being very skilled in the beauty department, but certainly being in love with the products, acrylic nails had been something that I had wanted to try for a while. After probably the most stressful week of my academic career thus far, I treated myself last Wednesday afternoon for my first set of acrylic nails with a gel polish that is certainly fall-worthy with its ridiculously dark oxblood shade. And, I have to say, from the clink they make to the dainty length- I'm in love.

5. Pulling out a favorite piece of clothing that you can only wear during certain temperatures is always an exciting part of changes in season. These corduroy leopard pants from LOFT are one of those pieces of clothing. They are one of the few pants that fit perfectly and they are so easy to pair with chunky knits and boots for the cooler weather, while still being put-together. 

6. Finally, this was my 1990's collection for draping. I was mostly inspired by Prada advertisements from the 90's, and lots of plaids! Pulling a couple of all-nighters (and when not all-nighters, 4 am-ers) on this 12 piece illustrated collection may seem a bit crazy, but after getting my first critique that really made me feel supported and more inspired, it was definitely worth it in the end. 

What makes it feel like fall to you? Comment below! I'd love to hear.

Falling for Phillip

/ Jen Kao top / 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target skirt and bag / Target boots / Forever 21 necklace / and   Michael Kors watch /

Aside from when Rodarte did their Target collaboration, the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collection is one of the first that I have actually really wanted pieces from. For starters, the Pashli Satchel has been one of my 'must have' bags for a while, and since my unemployed status won't be able to provide one, when I saw that there was going to be the mini satchel in their Target collaboration, I was thrilled. At a much more affordable price, it looks every bit as luxe, and it's miniature size keeps me from lugging too much with me--only necessities like a phone, wallet, and lipstick. In addition to the mini satchel, the leopard pieces were another favorite. We all know that I have a soft spot for leopard print, and this almost cartoonish style with it's mustard-orange background and navy and white spots and flirty shape were a must. Not to mention, as I walked around campus today it matched the falling leaves perfectly.  These two pieces embarrassingly weren't the only ones that I bought from the line, but keep a lookout for the others that will be showing soon!

What were your thoughts on the 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target collaboration? I'd love to hear!

Side Note: I apologize for iPhone photos, my camera is in Texas right now

Photos: Richelle Gewertz

Tuesday Shoesday

photo via Payless 

Let me tell you, kitten heels are so not my thing. I find them awkward, meant for older women, and while the name is cute, the style never really is. However, putting my feelings towards kitten heels aside, I absolutely fell in love with these Christian Siriano Galina Smoking Loafers. Leopard anything is one of my obsessions, and while I have a pair of leopard boots, I needed a style of footwear that was able to go with more dresses. These smoking loafers are perfect in so many ways. The leopard material is fabric, not printed, so the faux leopard hair creates a luxe appearance, the overall shape is delicate, and the velvet kitten heel gives you the feeling of heels, without all of the aching that comes with wearing them during the duration of a day. I've already paired these with everything from a head to toe denim look to pattern mixing with a bit of plaid. They have the ideal qualities to work with anything. While I may still be a little skeptical about completely devoting myself to kitten heels, these are certainly my new love for fall.

What are your thoughts on kitten heels? How would you style the Galina Smoking Loafers? 

Tuesday Shoesday

If you for some reason haven't been up-to-date on fashion happenings, I am here to let you know that Club Monaco has finally created a shoe collection. Just like their incredible ability to "mix fashion must-haves with timeless classics" when it comes to their clothes, their shoes have a similar feel and style to them. If you're looking for statement-making shoes, though, these are not them. These pieces are designed to be those perfect staples in your wardrobe that you will go for time and time again. With my new-found love for ankle strapped shoes of any kind, it was these Casey Leopard Calf Hair Sandals  that are my favorite from the new collection. Sometimes, just a peek of leopard from the back or the ankles is enough to make all of the difference in a simple look.

What do you think of Club Monaco's new shoe collection? You can view each style and pair here

Collegiate Crop

/ Vintage cheer top / Forever 21 jacket, skirt, and heels / Zara purse / Brandy Melville ring / Necklace from Austin, TX / Michael Kors watch 

I've always had an odd obsession with collegiate apparel. Although I am certainly not one to don my Syracuse sweatshirts to class, I do like to find ways to incorporate them into more stylized looks.  I had many collegiate cheer uniforms when I was younger, but this Rice University one with it's classic blue and white combination and bold printed 'R' was my favorite. With my recent love of a flair of sportiness to an outfit, I took the fact that it was much too small now as an advantage and played it up to the popularity of the crop top this summer. With my favorite varsity jacket already adding to the collegiate quality, I added a lace pencil skirt and leopard wedges to ensure there was still a bit of femininity to it, as well. 

Do you love collegiate apparel, too? I seem to always buy long sleeved pieces.

Tuesday Shoesday

As much of a sucker I am for a leopard print on basically anything, since my leopard pieces have easily become my go-to's and pieces that I use the most, it has become a challenge to not become a full-on walking leopard print. These amazing Kurt Geiger stilettos, though they are leopard print, are in a color that is obviously not natural of the animal in a bright poppy red. For the more adventurous risk-takers, and obvious leopard lovers, I could see these being paired with a leopard coat and dark skinny jeans or with a traditional leopard colored blouse. However, if you're not feeling so fierce and up to a challenge, making these shoes the showstoppers of your ensemble by sticking to a solid and simple rest of your look would still do them justice, as well. 

How do you feel about red leopard print? 

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. 

Jungle Green

{ H&M jacket and tights, Forever 21 coat and dress, Michael Kors watch, Topshop shoes, Vintage bag, and Urban's hologram polish}

I have always felt that leopard and greens evoke a sense of instant luxury and polish. In combining a green suede moto jacket and faux leopard coat over an all black base of a pleated dress with tights and boots, the prints and colors of the jackets and carpet bag are able to have the attention that they strive for. Although first worried that the bag's pattern and the leopard's spots would not mesh pleasingly, I was pleasantly surprised how they managed to come off as that perfectly undone quality that I strive for. 

Tuesday Shoesday

In the past few years, I feel that leopard accessories and accents have taken the place where red ones used to thrive. Previously, a pop of red in either a shoe or purse made an outfit a bit sophisticated and complete without overwhelming the outfit as a whole. However, it appears that the red trend for accessories had long faded and made way for leopard in all realms of accents. In seeing this great mini-heeled loafer, I remembered how I had wanted to be a wearer of red and how red accessories and shoes can act almost like a swipe of red lipstick--it pulls it together the look while still allowing the details and components of the rest of your pieces to make a statement, as well. And, with the small spikes on the heel, it adds a little bit of edge, without being too bold.

Do you prefer red or leopard for accents or accessories?

Fluorescent Elements

{Forever 21 sweater,  H&M pants, Target heels,  Necklace from Dillard's}

Lately, I feel that the way that an outfit can work best is with simple and basic pieces but with amazing accessories. By using a bright fuchsia sweater and basic black pants as the base, and adding a neon green statement necklace and leopard print wedges, this otherwise simple outfit is now a lesson in mixing brights with patterns. While the traditional suit style has seemed to be fairly distant from the need to be in our wardrobes for a while now, this is an outfit--or style-- that I feel could work well for a creative office setting or even an interview, as well.

I arrived back in Syracuse last night to finish off the rest of the first semester, so look forward to starting off tomorrow with our regular school line-up starting with tomorrow's "Tuesday Shoesday" post. 

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving break!

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.