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 :)

Home Improvement: Furry Decor

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Recently I've found myself obsessing over furry decor - specifically sheepskin. I think that texture is one of the strongest elements in decor and design and these sheepskin elements provide such an amazing texture both visually and tactilely. When it comes to searching for interior design inspiration, I have found that I have been drawn to interiors that include these textural elements. Below are some of my current favorites. Also, how amazing is the pink floor throw?

Tuesday Shoesday

/ 1. Zara Heels / 2. GoJane Heels / 3. River Island Boots / 4. Boohoo Boots / 5. Alexander Wang Flats

Although my toes are still painted a crisp white, this Labor Day weekend slowly ended yet another summer, and the same question of wearing white shoes after labor day presents itself. While there are certainly winter whites that can be a fresh alternative to dark colors in the upcoming months, there isn't much like a true bright white. When it comes to these bright whites, my personal rule is that sporting them until it is chill enough that you need to grab your coat is acceptable. Today, I chose five pairs of fabulous white footwear ranging in shades, brightness, texture, and style to fill your footwear fancy. Lately I have been really obsessed with the style on the Zara pair (1) where the front cap comes up a little higher than usual on the foot. They are a bit awkward, and I find that intriguing and unique.

Will you wear white shoes after labor day? I hope everyone had a great long weekend! 

Which is your favorite pair from the assortment above?

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).

Person of Interest: Olivia Palermo

Olivia Palermo has one of those styles that gives me closet envy time after time. I always admired her sense of style and class and her ability to combine high fashion with more affordable pieces to create the put-together quality of her looks. Aside from her obvious ability to always appear polished, I am interested in the way that she incorporates tailored jackets and coats into her looks--an easy way to add texture and make an outfit look a bit more finished and tie the look together, and, following last week's POI on pattern mixing, Olivia is a master at that, as well.

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A to Z: Knits

{A few great knits from Cacharel, Paco Robanne, and Rodarte}

Throughout my middle and high school years, knitting as an activity drifted in and out of entertaining. This week in my textiles class we discussed the practice of knitting and crocheting, and I realized how much of an art a great knit really is. While we all appreciate our oversized knits for their warmth and comfort-chic appeal, it is all of the different styles and applications of knits that can be found that is so amazing. From the polished sort of stone-blue look from Cacharel to the incredible open-knit Rodarte dress, knits are a great way to be able to alter an outfit and an interesting play on varieties of textures.

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Dress Up

When the feather trend was beginning and designers began to incorporate them into their designs more and more, aside from this collection, I wasn't so sure. However, when I saw this week's dress of the week, I was more intrigued. I love the way that the black feathers create such an interesting texture to the sleek dress, and their movement adds a whole other component. And, with the holidays coming up in the next few weeks, this is the little black dress that is perfect for a party or special occasion outing. Aside from the feathers, the velvet sweetheart bodice with a slight plunge and illusion neckline add a bit of interest, as well. 

How do you feel about feathers?