New Faves at Old Navy

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5

First of all, Happy Friday everyone! The week definitely went by fast for me over here because in case you didn't know I moved from my hometown of Houston, Texas last week to my new city of New York! We are slowly but surely getting everything together for our new apartment (looking at you, table + chairs!), but it has definitely been exciting and nerve-wracking to say the least. More on all of that to come soon!

Anyway, on one of my many trips to the Bed Bath and Beyond, Marshall's and T.J. Maxx stores for apartment must-haves, I made a quick stop into the Old Navy next door for a break and was glad that I did. At home I usually stop in Old Navy to browse or for easy pieces, but I was pleasantly surprised by what greeted me. Fall certainly seemed like their specialty when I was there and there was no shortage of buffalo plaids, burgundies and flannels to fulfill my cooler weather dreams. I was a little obsessed with that plaid purse, but left empty handed in need of storage at Bed Bath and Beyond instead (#adult). However, once everything has been purchased for the apartment, I have no doubt I will be back soon!

What are you all up to this weekend? I'm actually starting a class at The New School tomorrow and seeing an exhibit about The Rise of Sneaker Culture at the Brooklyn Museum. Should be fun!

Palm Beach Prints

 Em & Lee / Willa dress // Forever 21 purse // Sam Edelman sandals (via Nordstrom's Rack)-- shorter style here // Anthropologie sunglasses // 'L' initial necklace from Francesca's

Don't you just love when you find a piece and instantly picture the outfit(s) that you're going to make with it? I went shopping last weekend with a few of my girlfriends at a favorite Houston boutique, Em & Lee, and before I even tried on this dress I just knew it was going to be one of my latest obsessions. Pink and orange have always been a favorite color combination of mine (ahem, ahem...my header) and there are so many perfect details to this piece that make it fabulous. From the cheerful print, the fringed hem on the sleeves and the pretty lace trim that runs down the center, there wasn't a thing I didn't love.

But besides the dress (which is sheer down the front so I had to wear something like this underneath), I thought that a bright orange bag and neutral sandals would complement perfectly for an afternoon of trying a new favorite coffee shop in downtown Houston. If you haven't already been, Tout Suite is a must! I may or may not have been twice in one week :) 

What is everyone doing for the 4th? This year my family and I are heading to Austin for a few days. Hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable long weekend!

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!

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?

Fourth of July

| Forever 21 blouse / American Apparel shorts (old) / J.Crew heels (sample sale) / Kate Spade purse / David Yurman ring / Michael Kors watch / Essie's Saturday Disco Fever nail polish |

The idea of dressing in a color scheme almost instantly excites me.  Not that red, white, and blue don't look perfect together on any other day, but when it comes to The 4th of July, the crisp whites, lipstick reds, and classic blues bring full-on Americana during this days celebrations.

As a result of spending this holiday in South Carolina with my family, instead of traditional navy for the festivities, I swapped out the go-to blue of denim and went with a preppier alternative with the southern staple--seersucker. Bringing elements in for the holidays based on your locations always make the holiday that much more memorable. Outfits included.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable 4th of July! 

Denim Swap

/ GAP denim jacket / Aqua (Bloomingdales) romper / Primark shoes / Zara purse / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman Ring /

After a few days lacking in any plans, I was tired of changing into my new found routine of pajamas to denim boyfriend shorts and grey t-shirt combination. Instead, I reached for the comfort of the denim, but with jungle-like peacock embroideries and a classic black romper and strappy sandals, left me feeling a little bit better than I had the past few days. It's amazing how sometimes all that you need to get out of a style funk is swapping the fit and a few pieces.

What pieces do you reach for to fix your style rut?

White Hot II

/ H&M sweater + skirt / Sunnies from NYC street vendor / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman ring / Topshop purse / Fur Pouf from London trimming store / Primark platforms /

As much as I love an all white look, I love using white as a starting point for colors, too. Here, I mixed a favorite bright white sweater (love the sleeves!) with a cream colored old lace skirt from H&M. Working within a similar color palette is something that I like to play around with often, but not so much when it comes to neutrals. I love how this look started out simple and focused on the light colors and more on the shapes of the skirt and the sweaters' sleeves, and soon turned into a sort of Lula-esque floral and pink moment. That's probably one of the main ideas that I love about getting dressed-- you can have an idea in mind of who you want to be that day or of how you want to dress, and quickly, the pieces sort of combine themselves into your end point where you may have never even thought you'd end up. Does that ever happen to any of you?

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!

Green Machine

Zara Coat / River Island Culottes / Baublebar Bracelet / Joseph Top / Givenchy Purse / Topshop Dress

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone! While some of my flatmates ventured off to Ireland this past weekend to celebrate traditionally, I stayed in London enjoying the very much spring-time weather that we have been having lately. With green as the color of St. Patrick's Day, this kelly green color on all of the pieces featured in the image above, embody springtime, as well--even the coat for those unexpected cooler days and nights. When it comes to this shade of green, every item that I have of it is something unique and special because unlike its olive and army green friends, it is not seen as often, though it is definitely wearable. 

How do you celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Do you sport green all day and pinch those who don't?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Gift Guide: For the Family

1. / 2. / 3. / 4. 

I'll admit, I was embarrassingly a little late on my gift-giving this holiday. With Hanukkah happening over Thanksgiving break this year (so odd!), it certainly caught my whole family off guard. So, while home for Winter break, I was finally able to catch up. After all, it's the season of giving, right? I picked up simple gifts that while small, were meaningful and pieces that I truly thought that the people in my family would appreciate.

Mom- I had noticed that she has been really into small and decorative bags recently. For a woman who usually carries her life in her purse, a smaller bag was something that not only felt more practical and easier to carry, but was a fresh update to her accessory wardrobe, as well. I went with a small hexagonal style from Urban. With an attachable chain, you could wear it as a clutch for evening, or a fun geometric style for afternoon to add a simple but quick update to an otherwise possibly basic look. The featured piece in the collage above is from Asos. While slightly clunkier and larger than the one that I actually ended up purchasing for my mom, the boxy nature of the one above was inspiring as a shape in general.

Dad- Still looking for the perfect style, but my dad enjoys decorative office pieces such as letter openers and paper weights. Gold and bronze always amp up an office setting, and this fall themed pinecone letter opener seems like a simple yet professional style to not only keep on his desk as decoration, but serves a useful purpose for all of his office and personal mail, as well.

My Sister, Lauren- My sister has a thing for candles at the moment. I have yet to see her without at least four burning in her room at one time. After a long search with scents at many stores, I stuck with one where most of her candles come from--Urban Outfitters-- and picked up a classic and soothing smell in Lavender and Thyme to keep her relaxed when she is lounging or studying in her room. And, since she's not always in her room, I bought her these zodiac earrings with her sign (Sagittarius). She always has the coolest jewelry pieces that I could never pull off, but look amazing on her. These little earrings seemed to be right up her alley and the combination with the candle couldn't have seemed more like her in my book. 

What did you get (or are planning on getting) your family for the holidays? I'd love to hear!

Dark Florals

Turtleneck: Salvation Army-Syracuse / Skirt: Forever 21 / Boots: Target / Purse: Zara / Necklace: Style Lately c/o / Watch: Michael Kors

Like most people, I have a love/hate relationship with turtlenecks. Often too tight around the neck, they can look rather stuffy and conservative. But, done well, they can look very sleek, mod and put together. After deeming all of my ratty old turtlenecks as the former description, I began a rather long hunt for the perfect new version. It had to be not too tight around the neck, comfortable and have a slightly boxy fit. Almost convinced it didn't exist, I finally found it at Syracuse's Salvation Army for a few dollars, and I'm in love. This quilted mini skirt from Forever 21 is interesting not only for the dark floral pattern (which I'm always fond of), but for it's quilted detailing. It's rather short, so what better to balance it out with than a long-sleeved turtleneck? Keeping proportions in check can usually make or break any outfit but by pairing long sleeves with a mini you'll be fine for sure.

How do you feel about turtlenecks? 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

Orange Spice

/ 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 /

With the first of October yesterday, the feeling of fall for me really starts to set in. Pumpkins are being sold at the grocery store, the leaves (while having been changing colors for a few weeks now) are finally falling, and Thanksgiving plans are being arranged. While I used to feel that orange was a color more associated with the month of November, I found time after time while browsing online I was being drawn to these orange spice colors-- a color I'm not typically a fan of. However, when the color was applied to a design that wasn't solely plain orange, like an embossed bag (3) or patent skirt (1) seen above, I fell in love.

What are your feelings about orange?

Splurge VS Steal

I had been needing a new purse for the longest time. Most of my purses, while great in design and style, weren't so great in the structure and maintenance department. While my dad was visiting over fourth of July weekend almost a month ago, he picked out the Zara bag on the right. And, as you can tell from the style posts since then, I'm completely obsessed. I had wondered where I had seen a similar style before and I realized standing next to a woman on the subway with the purse on the left, that it was inspired by the Givenchy 'Lucrezia'. I'm extremely picky when it comes to handbags, and the Zara version fit nearly all of them: structured, sophisticated, appealing to look at and wear, functional, and fabulous. Thanks, dad!

What do you think? Would you splurge on the Givenchy 'Lucrezia' or save with the Zara version?

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.

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?