Dress Up

When digging through my mess of a wallet earlier this week, beneath (too many) iced coffee receipts, I found the equivalent of spare cash in your jean pockets-- a forgotten about, unused, Anthropologie gift card. While I usually venture in with my mom, me for home decor inspiration and her for the clothes, I decided to browse the online dress selection after discovering my much welcomed mid-week surprise. The piece that I ended up gravitating most towards was this Dolce Vita 'Sunlace Midi Dress.' The coral color, intricate but understatedly elegant bodice, fresh length, and narrow back, are all elements that are perfect for a great summer dress. Whether you add a cropped denim jacket, neutral leather sandals and dainty gold jewelry, or metallic heels, statement ring, and a glowing tan, this is a piece that you can work into your wardrobe all summer long. Now, about that tan...

Have a great weekend, everyone!

Home Improvement

Being in college and planning on moving to New York City after I graduate in a few years definitely has prepped me for dealing with living in small spaces. In more compact environments, it is important to make use of every nook and cranny, but making sure to still stay true to your sense of style and need for comfort that should be associated with spaces like homes. In an open floor plan, moveable pieces like wall dividers and easily moveable pieces of furniture can help to quickly transform a space with minimal effort and maximum effect. Today's feature for home improvement follows this similar idea. While I'm not sure if this particular wall in the image above is moveable, I began to think how great a moveable gallery style wall would be. While we all know how much I love a well curated gallery wall, they seem so permanent to me because each piece of art has to fit well with the others on the wall--like a puzzle. By creating a similar gallery-stye wall, but on a moveable piece of furniture, you can take the art that you already have worked to gather and arrange, but can create a completely different effect when moved to a different space, possibly sectioning off a new space, as well. After all, however, small spaces provide plenty of room for creativity and experimenting with what works for you.

What do you think of the idea of a moveable gallery-style wall?

DIY: Bedazzled Earrings

//Forever 21 Make-up bag//Rhinestones and earring backs from Toho Shoji and M&J Trimming//

If you're anything like me, you save endless how-to's on crafts and DIY projects in a folder on your desktop. Even though the whole concept of DIY is to show that seemingly difficult projects can actually be managed by ordinary people with an ordinary skill-set, I always was wary that my projects wouldn't turn out as stellar as the original. This past weekend, I came across this post on a favorite blog, and couldn't help but actually attempting to re-create these statement earrings like hers. And, lucky for me, these are clip-ons--yes, I still don't have my ears pierced. Below you can find the steps to make your own pair of dazzlers. Enjoy!

Step 1: Gather all of the materials that you need: Scissors, Rhinestones of your choice, Clip-on earring backs, Superglue (E6000), and some PVC sheets. I couldn't find any PVC sheets near me, but I found this cute make-up bag from Forever 21 and cut the plastic out from around it, and still can use the bag later.

Step 2: Once you have gathered all of your materials together, choose the size that you want your earrings to be (I went with about a 1" by 2" rectangle) and cut that size from the PVC sheet. Play with the rhinestones to see how you want them to lay out and how they fit best together before you glue them down.

Step 3: Once you have chosen the placement of your rhinestones, glue them down while making sure to press firmly so that they are secured into place.

Step 4: After your rhinestones have been glued down, flip the rectangle of PVC (now with the rhinestones on it) over and glue down the clip-on earring back. Again, remember to press it securely and make sure that it is the correct way so that you can clip it onto your ear. Place an object with a bit of weight to it, I used a book, on the top of your upside down finished pieces to help the rhinestones to hold in place while they dry overnight.

Voila! You've made your very own pair of bedazzled statement earrings! I've already experimented with pairing them with simple jeans and a tank to dress them down and swanky cocktail dresses for a special night out on the town.

I hope you enjoyed my first DIY post. I certainly had a lot of fun making these if you can't tell. If you attempt these, or any other DIY of your own, I'd love for you to share.

Tuesday Shoesday

One of my favorite places to visit while on vacation are the botanical gardens. It's always so quite and peaceful and the many varieties of plants and flowers create such a beautiful setting for fragrant smells and bright colors. These Kate Spade heels remind me of a perfect day strolling through the grounds. With florals being so effortlessly feminine, I like how these are slightly more abstract and create a bit more of a blurred image- easily allowing you to pair them with much more than just a dainty dress.

What do you think of these floral heels? 

Suit Up!

1/ 2/ 3/ 4

With this past Friday being the official start of summer, I figured instead of the traditional A to Z post on Mondays, we would post some 'swimspiration' to get you all into even more of a summer mode--if you weren't there already. Whether you prefer high-waisted and full suits to one pieces, or prints and patterns to plain, there are so many suits now to choose from. I pulled a few of some of my favorites from Lolli, Lulu's, and Forever 21 all ranging in different styles and price points for whatever suits your swimwear needs. Personally, I got my eye on number three. Loving those strappy sides!

Which style swimsuit are you looking to get into this summer?

Dress Up

Ever since I picked up these at the J.Crew sale last week, I've been obsessed with everything in this punchy pink. Brighter than a fuchsia but not quite as bright as a neon, this is a great in-between hue. I love a garment with a little element of surprise to it. This dress, with it's super simple yet pretty front, definitely makes up for it with a quick twirl around. While I've seen similar styles with one bow adorning the back, this style, with it's center spine panel and two bows, feels like a fun and updated version of a classic that's ideal for the summer months. 

What do you think of this week's dress?

Home Improvement

Years ago, when my family lived in our old house, my sister and I had a pink playhouse. While the house itself was every little girls dream, it was an element in the house, a chalkboard wall that my dad painted on, that really made it unique and special. The always-drawing art lover that I was, appreciated the wall as an endless source of creativity and inspiration, and when I came across this dreamy chalkboard wall behind a bathtub I was reminded of the space where so many ideas flowed without too much scrutiny. How dreamy would it be to have a relaxing bath and doodle on the walls? After all, so many of us come up with our best ideas in the shower...why should this be any different?

What do you think of this creative alternative to wallpaper or traditional paint?

-If anyone knows the original source of this image, please let me know-

Sample Platter

/ All images from J.Crew /

I had always heard that the J.Crew sample sales were a must-go event, but had never ventured to one. Today was the first official day of the sale open to the public, so after work I decided to head over and check out the assortment of punchy prints, girl-meets-boy styles, and glitzy baubles. After a seemingly short hour long wait, the selection was not disappointing once inside. Above are some of my favorite pieces that were available. I left with the sequined striped pink skirt from their J.Crew collection line that was surprisingly discounted from it's original steep price tag. I absolutely love when a garment has a good weight and texture to it and this skirt, with it's infinite sequins, makes the most satisfying clinking noise when I walk. If you haven't checked out the sale yet, it is open until Sunday the 23rd of June at 260 5th Avenue (that's 260 Sample Sale for all of you sample sale regulars).

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Steve Madden / 2. LuLu's / 3. Steve Madden / 4. Sam Edelman / 5. Zara /

Though the past few weeks may make it seem otherwise, I don't really buy shoes very often. I definitely love them, but for me, I would prefer to have many different outfits to wear with a similar pair of shoes. When I threw on my beloved Steve Madden wedges the other day, it appears that my foot has grown and they no longer fit as well as they used to. As such a go-to staple in my wardrobe, I figured what better to post for Tuesday Shoesday than a search for a replacement pair. Some qualifications: neutral (interpret that as you may), comfortable (but with a high wedge), and able to easily be dressed up or down.

Do you have a favorite from the five listed above? 

Building Blocks

/ Topshop tank / Zara shorts / Steve Madden shoes / Michael Kors watch / H&M Ring / Forever 21 Necklace / Anthropologie sunglasses /

Lately I've been kind of obsessed with swingy shorts. Being a skirt lover, they have the breeziness of a summer skirt but with the easy feeling of a pair of shorts. Having been in a bit of a pattern funk for a bit, when I saw these shorts about a month ago, the bright orange and navy square pattern managed to pull me right out of that rut. With the all-over pattern already being a focal point for the look, I made sure to pair it with basic pieces like my favorite black tank and chunky wedges. And, with a geometric-style necklace to complement the graphic characteristic of the shorts, these swingy shorts, definitely don't fall short when it comes to style. 

For Dad

To the man who I can always count on for daily Starbucks photos, information for when Secretariat is on TV, and for always supporting me in all of my dreams and aspirations. You're an incredible person, father, and friend. Happy father's day, daddy. I love you.

Dress Up

Have you all heard about Sabo Skirt? This fabulous online boutique from Australia sells all of those fun  pieces that scream Bondi Beach every season, even in the cooler months. For this week's Dress Up post, I knew that I wanted to feature one of my favorite dresses on their site, the Spanish Dress. I first saw this dress about a year ago from a picture and instantly fell in love. With off-the-shoulder styles being so popular right now, this dress is certainly on-trend. And, in a bright summer white, it is perfect for  all of those casual outdoor events that are happening now.

What do you think of this amazing little white dress?

Home Improvement

Despite being the extremely girly girl that I was growing up, I never had a pink bedroom. Oddly enough, even being the age I was, I saw it as sort of typical and expected. However, when I stumbled across this pink room, the color and amount of it spread throughout the entire room was anything but typical. While the furniture is definitely not my style, this room with it's large windows and intricate crown molding on the ceiling make me want to fill it with pieces in white and lucite to contrast against the color. Can't you picture throwing spontaneous events with friends and chatting until early hours in here? This is a pink room that is much more sophisticated than any that I've ever seen. Imagine all of the other colors that could have the same effect.

Sea-glass

/ Striped Skirt Set: Topshop / Necklace: Francesca's / Watch: Michael Kors / Ring: H&M / Heels: Christian Siriano /

While I have always preferred the city to the ocean,  the varying colors of blues from the water have served as a constant source of inspiration and favorite of mine in terms of dress. When it comes to stripes, it is easy to accidentally drift into the traditional nautical style (as I had worn this skirt set with gold accessories and red lips once before). However, with colors of the ocean, a necklace resembling sea-glass, and my current favorite heels, the contrast of dark and light blues creates a sort of "neo-nautical" that seems much more fresh and updated.

Tuesday Shoesday

When I was first introduced to Tory Burch in my middle school days, the "Reva" ballerina flat definitely grew to be the most popular shoe choice among the girls. While perusing the Tory Burch website I found that aside from being a master at preppy ballerina flats and classic, sophisticated riding boots (last seen here), Tory is also a genius when it comes to perfectly embellished sandals. Not too elaborate and screaming to be worn in the summer months, the Etta flat sandal is one that has a unique color pairing when it comes to footwear, but one that should definitely be used more often. With it's geometric pattern design balanced by its overall fairly simple shape, this sandal hits the perfect juxtaposition of dressy casual. Whether worn with denim cutoffs or adding a blazer to a flirty little white dress, these sandals are surely a reason to keep your "Reva's" away and trade these in, instead. 

What do you think about these eye-catching sandals?

Fancy Pants

//Jacket: Ecote from Urban Outfitters// Tank, Pants, Shoes, and Ring: H&M// Necklace: Vendor in Austin, TX// Bag: Target// Watch: Michael Kors//

That's right, everyone...fancy pants. I found these pants at H&M a while ago in the clearance section (also $10!) and decided to give them a try. While I'm not particularly fond of jeans and regular styles of basic pants so much, when it comes to a more stylized and well, pretty versions, I'm all aboard. The colors on these brocade-like pants remind me of summer and autumn, and while the sun was still out, on a slightly cooler day, they provided the perfect focal point for an outfit that took me to a spontaneous matinee show performance.

Home Improvement

As much as I love falling asleep during a thunderstorm, I love waking up to a bright sunny morning just as much. There is something about that perfect surge of morning light rushing through your windows that adds a bit more pep and energy to start off the day right. When I came across this bedroom, I started imagining waking up to the flooding of light through those incredible windows. The slanted walls create so many amazing opportunities for decoration and style and make the windows even more interesting. With the unique shape of the room, I also really appreciate how the owner took the chance to play the shape up and create a sort of focus wall filled with an abstract floral wallpaper. In a pattern that may otherwise overwhelm if spread throughout the whole room, when narrowed in on a small and angular part, the pattern is not only easier to take in, but more complimentary to the space, as well. 

What do you think? Wouldn't you love waking up in this sunny bedroom?

School Boy

//Necklace, Blouse, and Jacket: Forever 21// Shorts: Zara//Heels: Vintage (gift from mom)//Ring: H&M//

I used to not really give much thought to white button-downs. I found them to be stuffy, difficult to keep clean, and boring. However, when I went to re-create a stylized version of a school uniform with my favorite varsity jacket, leather shorts, and short heels, this button down from Forever 21 proves to be that crisp white button-down that I'll be reaching for more often. With it's unfinished seams and slightly deconstructed and frayed edges, it has every bit of that uniform and polished look that I was looking for, but with the stylized qualities to keep it updated and current, as well.

//How amazing are these vintage heart heels? I'm absolutely head over heels in love--ha//

Tuesday Shoesday

As much as I have been talking about iridescent/metallic shoes and accessories (and basically any fashion style), I finally purchased a pair of shoes like the ones I had been eyeing. When I got caught in a crazy rainstorm the other day, I found myself stopping into H&M to browse  stay dry. Lucky for me, these blue and silver metallic sandals were on sale for $10. For a trend that may or may not stick around for long--even though I must admit, I am obsessed-- this great price, and the gloomy weather, made this purchase an easy one to make. In the summer, sandals are an obvious staple. Since I have gotten rather tired of wearing my basic black flats as my go-to, I am excited to see how I can incorporate these into my outfits and making them work as a creative nod to neutrals. Stay tuned!

If you're loving these as much as I do, head over to H&M and pick up a pair. There is also a great style of metallic blue heels for $15 that are waiting for you, as well. 

The Great Graphite

//Skirt: Forever 21//Tank: Topshop//Boots+Purse: Target//Watch: Michael Kors//Ring: H&M//Necklace: Street Vendor in Austin, TX//

Do you guys have certain things that you seemingly always buy on impulse? After a long dedication to pleated skirts, I thought that my love of them had dwindled and been brought to a close until I ventured into the clearance section at Forever 21 last week. Though this is the section usually filled with missing sequin clubbing skirts, drab faux furs, and assorted miscellaneous trinkets, this pleated graphite metallic skirt caught my eye. While the fabric is somewhat reminiscent of a trash-bag, in both the sound it makes and the texture, the $10 price tag and way it sparkled when it caught the light definitely caught my attention, as well. When I wore this skirt this past weekend, I kept the rest of the components of my outfit in the neutral range with my purse, boots, and minimal but still statement-worthy jewelry. Needless to say, my love of pleats is anything but shaken, and the clearance section at Forever 21 will definitely be more frequently visited.