Sparkle + Shine

/ Forever 21 button-up / Topshop shorts (old) / Primark sandals / BaubleBar necklace / Michael Kors watch / David Yurman ring / 

I love my denim cut-offs as much as the next girl, but when it comes to shorts I have a special soft for dressier options. I got these minty brocade ones from Topshop a few summers ago and while I typically pair them with a simple t-shirt to dress them down, I decided to dress them up instead with prim pieces in the form of a crisp button-up (all the way!), sparkly new necklace, and favorite heeled sandals.

What are your favorite style of shorts? Dressy or Casual?

Tuesday Shoesday

I've had a slight obsession with the Miu Miu crystal heel pieces ever since I first saw them. However, with their prices nearing the thousand dollar range, they are out of the question for now. While there have been plenty of 'inspired-by' pieces since the Miu Miu version first emerged, I haven't found a pair that have done the original justice--until now. I stopped into Urban Outfitters last week and like a typical magpie, was immediately attracted to the jeweled heel version by one of Urban's brands, Cooperative. Comfortable, dainty--but sturdy enough, sleek, and obviously pretty, this pair had a much more budget-friendly price ($58) and would allow me to have a bit of that Miu Miu style, without the designer price. Bonus reason? This pair has a whole additional row of crystals. Sparkle much? I may need to venture to Urban and actually pick them up-they're definitely a great shoe for the upcoming holiday season!

What do you think about the Cooperative Jeweled Heel? Would you still save up for the original?

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.

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).

Dress Up

Originally, one of the qualities of dresses that I loved was their easy wearability in addition to being able to maintain a put-together look. This week's dress by Sister Jane is exactly that. While it is a fairly simple dress (shape wise), the slightly puffed sleeves, gathered pleating, and embellished Peter Pan collar, make it seem more formal to wear than it actually is. With the sort of tan-salmon overall color of this style it also becomes quite a neutral palette when it comes to pairing it with fun jackets or shoes. Accessory speaking, necklaces are not needed--but always welcome-- as the embellishments make plenty of sparkle around the neck.

Have a great weekend!

Dress Up--New Years Edition

Wearing sparkles to a New Years event is almost as inevitable as wearing stars and stripes on the fourth of July. Typically, I reserve sequins and sparkles for the most festive of occassions, as there is something about the way that they shine that looks and feels like wearable confetti. Although bringing sparkles into day wear has become more common lately, wearing them to bring in the new year feels special and unique. So, whether you drift towards a blazer, skirt, or full-on dress, there sure is a reason that sparkles are so popular for this time of the year.

What are you planning on wearing?

Home Improvement

Now, I know that everybody loves a little bit of glitter and shine throughout their days, but this kitchen by architect Emma Templeton and her design team at Templeton, is a whole lotta fabulousness. With such a powerful and sparkly focus of the backsplash behind the counter, the team made sure to balance the room with neutral colors and materials--like variants of brown woods-- to ensure that the space felt special, but not overwhelming. This kitchen is surely a place where enjoying your morning coffee will make sure to start your day off right. 

Would you like some sparkle in your kitchen?

Dress Up

While many people save their sparkles and sequins for the holiday seasons, I for one, am a fan of them all year round. A little sparkle is a great way to add a little bit of glitz and glamour into your life, and quite frankly, they're just fun to wear. This week's dress is full of sparkles, but is in a length and shape that can easily be able to be worn for either day or night. For a more day-time appropriate look, this dress would provide just the right amount of sparkle when paired down with a chambray button down and a utility coat, or dressed up with a tuxedo blazer and some simple jewelry to balance the shine. Either way, this dress is one that while easy to wear, can also easily make your outfit feel special, as well.

Would you rock sequins throughout the year?

A to Z: Glitter

While glittered garments used to be brought out for strictly holiday celebratory events, more recently they have been being incorporated into ensembles that are worn for everyday average events as a way to add pizazz. With glitters, sequins, and sparkles, aside from all-out party dresses, I love when they are applied in an unconventional manner-- a glittered skirt with a t-shirt, glittered heels with jeans, or a sweatshirt with glittered sections. Putting on something glittered, whether for a formal occasion or just for a class, is an easy way to make what you have on just a little more special than it was before.

Would you mix glittered pieces with more casual ones? Here are some of my favorite ways to add glitter to everyday outfits. Which are your favorites?

photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Mother of Pearl

I apologize for the lack of posts for quite a while now. With the end of finals, first week of work, and getting caught up in seeing friends and family, I slowed down. I realized that as I originally wanted a fashion blog, I hadn't posted much about my own style. Yesterday my dad took me out to lunch at one of our favorites restaurants. Since being home I had been in a sort of fashion lull, not knowing exactly what to wear. For this special outing, I took the time and got dressed up in my new favorite blouse and heels I've been dying to try out.

{forever 21 blouse, h&m skirt, and topshop heels}

{ these shoes are the perfect example of beauty is pain. I slipped into flats for actual lunch}

This outfit was the perfect combination of my style: lady-like with a bit of sparkle, and made me feel put-together and back into my love of getting dressed up for any occasion.

Have a great Friday!