Dog Days of Summer

/ H&M dress (old) but this one is cute!  / Cotton On purse / J. Crew sandals / Anthropologie sunglasses / Michael Kors watch /

In the rules I set out for cleaning my closet, this dress should have been a goner. I hadn't worn it in at least 6 years, I had to fix the hem, and I wasn't sure it even fit anymore. However, something aside from the adorable scottie dog print made me hang it back up and I am so glad I did because this weekend I went to the 38th Annual Houston Dog Show! A bit of hem tape (quick fix!) and fast iron and this dress was the perfect piece to wear to an event all about dogs. The red sandals picked up on the bows on the scotties and I definitely felt like the most festive human at the event. The dogs, however, were dressed to the nines. 

Nellie didn't end up attending the show, but she did make a few photo appearances. 

I hope everyone had a great weekend and is ready for a fresh start to the week. 

National Donut Day

/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 /

Did you guys know that today (the first Friday in June) is National Donut Day? I don't know about all of you, but I can't think of a more fun way to kick off the weekend than with some adorable treats. While you can't exactly eat any of the options above, I pulled some of the cutest donut pieces to help you celebrate whether it's donut day or not. Now your only decision is which bakery you're headed to--dunkin' or krispy kreme? 

Have a great weekend!

Summer Styles

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Well, hey, everyone! It's been a while (again), but this time it was due to computer trouble (farewell old macbook), taking a quick jewelry class, and starting a new internship back in New York for another summer. As quick as that month went, it's about to become a new one with the welcoming of July in a few days. With that, comes one of my favorite holidays: July 4th, of course!

Now, the fourth of July is the epitome of summer celebrations. While the past two summers I've spent it watching fireworks off of The Hudson river in the city, this summer I'll be spending it in a different city, Hilton Head, South Carolina. When it comes to trips, I always get excited to pack and dress for that specific location. The four pieces above are ones I have been particularly drawn to as of late.

1. Pineapples, and fruit patterns alike, have been popping up everywhere this summer, and what better of a print to lounge on while at the beach. Not to mention, the bright green is festive, too!

2. I usually am terrible at packing, often somehow turning weekend getaways into weeklong ones with the amount I include in my suitcase. However, I recently purchased the duffle above at the incredible C. Wonder sale this past weekend. With it's black and white hawaiian print and my monogram in neon yellow that I added, it screams South Carolina and will hold up for all of those perfect little summer excursions and ones afterwards, as well.

3. I've been following the Marysia swimwear company for a while after seeing their sweetly scalloped suits on bloggers and Instagram feeds. There is something about their shape and style that seems so classic and stylish at the same time.

4. Finally, Kate Spade's month in Rio brought these toucan sandals. While I've never been to Rio, I have ventured into the Kate Spade store, I can vouch that these would look just as cute on the beaches of South Carolina as they would in Rio.

Hope everyone had a great weekend, and here's looking forward to a short work week ahead!

- Good to be back -

Home Improvement

 / Image Via / 

When I think about summer, I think a lot about the outdoors and light and airy spaces. As soon as I came across the image above on Pinterest, I knew that this space is one of those breezy areas to lounge in during the summer. I love areas that work really well to easily switch up for times with friends that also work for solitary time, as well. With the white brick, light colored floors, inviting couch, and bright green plants, this is a place that I can absolutely see catching up with a couple of friends or spending time curled up with a magazine.

What does this space make you think of?

Southern Springtime

 / Primark dress / Christian Siriano heels / Rebecca Minkoff clutch / David Yurman ring / Francesca's necklace / Michael Kors Watch /

 I don't know if it is the fact that I am home in Texas and the weather is heating up, but this outfit screams Southern Springtime to me. Now, while my family and I don't celebrate Easter, I do definitely partake in dressing up in Sunday best during the holiday. I always loved how pastels and pretty dresses always appeared when Easter was nearing, and for as long as I can remember, I always get a bit dressed up on Easter Sunday still. This Primark dress, with a perfect spring/summer length and a print that is so eye-catching, is the perfect southern staple. By pairing it with dainty seafoam heels and a chunky necklace in a similar color and large envelope clutch, you are able to add in some amazing accessories and details without going overboard in colors and textures. 

After four months of amazing London adventures, I am happily back in the United States. So, here's to a more regulated posting schedule and start to summer break for me! Hope everyone had an enjoyable Easter weekend!

Elizabeth Street

/ Christian Siriano dress c/o / Christian Siriano belt (on sale!) / Christian Siriano heels /

Is there a piece in your wardrobe that you can always rely on regardless of the occasion? For me, it's this Christian Siriano circle skirt dress. With it's flattering shape and obvious little black dress appeal, it always manages to make me feel feminine, polished, and pretty. When it comes to little black dresses, one of the many great qualities about them is that there are limitless ways to style them. This pink metallic snap belt, which is on sale at the store (!), and the seafoam Julie mary-jane's provide just the right amount of additions, without taking away from the dress's own beauty, as well. 

Are you as much in love with Christian Siriano's pieces as I am? If so, head to his store located at

252 Elizabeth Street btw Prince & Houston in Nolita

New York City

to pick up some fabulous pieces. They're even having a summer sale!

Tuesday Shoesday

I have long praised my love of a fabulous pair of blue shoes. When I came across the pair for this week's Tuesday Shoesday feature from Shop Sosie, I knew they were a winner. They are every bit summery like a classic checkered picnic blanket or table, and I love how geometric they are and all of the straps near the front. Oddly enough, they immediately reminded me of the Kate Spade Saturday dress on the left. With it's painterly abstract plaid and fun strappy back, this pairing is whimsically similar. I'd love to see what they would look like paired together. Too crazy or pattern perfection?

What do you think?

Piña

/ Topshop dress / H&M sandals / Zara purse / Forever21 necklace / Michael Kors watch / Anthropologie Sunglasses /

I've never been much of a beach person, I don't like getting wet and I'm not particularly fond of sand. So, it surprised even me when I took a spontaneous late afternoon excursion out to Coney Island for the first time. Since being in the city since May, this was my first actual 'summer activity', and I was overly excited to dress the part. I had purchased this pineapple dress at a Topshop sale last month and felt like what better day to pull it out from a sea of black and to actually bring it to the sea. With it's all-over pineapple print, the small details like triangular midriff cutout, cross-over neckline, and criss-cross open back provide just the right amount of interesting elements to keep it from bridging over to too cutesy.

Have you ever been to Coney Island? Did you sport any festive summer apparel, as well?

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?

Vintage Blues

/ Vintage Dress / H&M Clutch / Zara Heels /

One of my favorite parts about vintage pieces is that they are so one-of-a-kind. As much as I love my fast fashion stores, there really is something special about having a piece in your wardrobe that no one else shares with you. When it comes to vintage, I am quite particular about what I like, and it is usually in the form of devastatingly feminine pieces. This dress is no exception, and is probably one of my favorite pieces in my wardrobe. I knew when I saw it last summer at the since closed Zachary's Smile in New York City's West Village that it was a piece that really got to me. Hard to appreciate the details in photographs, everything from the delicate zipper to the inner construction shows the time put in to make this dress that you just don't find in your fast fashion pieces today. In styling this dress, I tried to complement the silvery blues of the bows that adorned the skirt and shoulders with my latest favorite metallic heels, snakeskin print clutch, and skipping on the jewelry-it clearly isn't needed.

Do you have a favorite vintage piece? One of my other favorites is a 1950's lilac prom dress that I keep hanging in my closet as a daily source of inspiration.

Tuesday Shoesday

Remember when everything was inspired by Greece and Rome and the goddess style of dressing ruled all? While that trend has pretty much come and gone in the past few years, the gladiator style for shoes still seems to be a summer favorite. I don't think I have the legs to pull off the thigh-high version, but these strappy ankle boot versions seem like a style I might attempt. In the summer months, sometimes when reaching for heels, classic pumps may seem too stuffy and cork wedges may seem expected. A pair of strappy gladiator style heels like these amazing Jimmy Choo's will add that extra quality of fun into your footwear that may have been lacking previously. While these are nowhere near my budget, I will surely be searching favorites like H&M and Zara for similar styles.

Are you a fan of the gladiator style? If so, do you prefer flats or heels?

4th of July

Bebe top / Topshop pinafore (on sale!)  / Vintage heels / Michael Kors watch / Francesca's necklace / Brandy Melville Ring / Sunglasses from SoHo street vender / Target purse

You can't help but love the fourth of July. From the theme-dressing, fireworks and all out American birthday festivities, this is the perfect mid-summer holiday. While donning the American flag isn't so much my style, the classic colors of red, white, and blue certainly are. By layering a pretty white top over a cobalt pinafore and my favorite vintage heels borrowed from my mom for a little red, I came up with a look that is not only celebratory of the day, but fun to wear, as well.

Hope you all had an amazing fourth of July!

Popularity Contest

1. Topshop Crop Top / 2. Marc By Marc Jacobs Skirt / 3. Alexander Wang Romper / 4. Topshop Varsity Jacket / 5. Zara Faux Leather Shorts

When it comes to getting dressed in extreme weather temps, we all have those pieces that we automatically reach for--maybe even a few times in the same week. Today I decided to compile a collage of the pieces (or similar styles) in my closet that I tend to do this with.

1. Black Tank - Okay, this is by far the number one piece in wardrobe rotation at the moment. While not this exact style, my black Topshop tank has me having a tank top as one of my favorite pieces of clothing, when I never thought that would happen. It's perfectly tissue-thin, has a great higher neckline that's perfect for pairing with chunky necklaces, and basically feels like pajamas- if pajamas were black tank tops from Topshop.

2. Striped Skirt - Prints-wise lately, it's all about stripes in my closet. From t-shirts to dresses, these (usually horizontal) lines are everywhere. This Marc By Marc Jacobs skirt has a similar shape as my go-to striped Topshop skirt that is easily flattering, comfortable, and incredibly easy to dress up or down depending on the pieces added to it. Whether paired with matching stripes, florals, or whatever you had in mind, striped skirts have become my little black dress of skirts.

3. Black Romper - Talk about easy summer routine, rompers are a fast way to put an outfit together. Effortlessly chic (when styled and fit properly), incredibly comfortable, and great palettes for accessorizing, a classic black romper (this amazing one is Alexander Wang, while mine is from Bloomingdales Aqua line) is a summer go-to for obvious reasons.

4. Navy and Black Varsity Jacket - I know what you're thinking, jackets, in summer? I promise, though, I thought the same thing. However, for those of us that are in and out of office environments during the day, understand that it can easily cool-down once inside. My varsity jacket from Forever 21 (the one above is from Topshop) has always been the perfect "updated office cardigan" whether it was cold in the studio or the day turned drizzly, and instantly adds a sporty-chic quality to the rest of your look.

5. Faux Leather Shorts - These paper-bag waist Zara faux leather shorts may be runner up to the Topshop tank on this list. I mentioned to a friend earlier last week that these are the fashionistas version of Nike Shorts. Laugh all you want, but I swear it's true. While you may think to shy away from leathery fabrics during the summer months, just like our number four,  you may want to think again. The bagginess of these shorts are not only more flattering than your cutoffs, but keep the heavier material away from your body, as well. And, I have yet to find a top in my wardrobe that they don't work with.

What are the most popular pieces in your summer wardrobe right now? I'd love to hear.

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!

Suit Up!

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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?

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. 

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?

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.