I don't know about all of you girls, but this week has been difficult, to say the least. To the point where when my phone today I almost burst into tears on the subway (the ultimate in pathetic. It's a phone. For crying out loud--pun intended). Oh, and on that note, should I get an iPhone or another Blackberry? I'm so torn.
So the level of what I can handle writing about today is pretty things that I want. Nothing revolutionary, but I think we all need a little end of week pick-me-up.
Rebecca Minkoff Navajo Studs Flame Satchel, $425 at shopbop.com, Ray-Ban Vagabond Sunglasses, $145 at shopbop.com: I realize that this bag is mildly tasteless and will be completely out of fashion in like 6 months. But I really want it. I like the studs, I like the print, I even like the tassels. The clean, structured shape balances out all that drama nicely, and the shoulder strap is really convenient. How Jackie-O fabulous are those sunglasses? I love the elongated, cat-eye shape and the retro simplicity of the tortoiseshell frame. The shape would be flattering on a variety of faces, and they're just so...cool.
Images via shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com.
So I was a fail blogger yesterday. I was in the middle of writing a theory paper about transnational migration theory and then I went to sleep and completely forgot about blogging. Fail. But today I'm on top of it! Here are my wants:
Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw: Okay, so this isn't for sale anymore, but a friend of mine has it and I WANT IT. It's a plush, suede-like material on one side and then on the other side it's a fluffy faux fur. It's so warm and cozy, but it looks so glam and fabulous. I want to snuggle with it. I've tried to steal it from my friend, but she's not having it.
See by Chloe Yate Clutch, $95 at endless.com: This is so cute. I just want to hug it. I'm not really a clutch person, but this one is so cute and well-priced that it needs to be mine. The shape and hue are very practical and easy to wear, but the bow adds an adorable girly twist, and then the metal takes it to a rock and roll glam sort of place.
Ginger + Liz Polish in Reality Bites, Swagger, and Prima Donna, all $12 at gingerandliz.com: All of the Ginger + Liz polishes are vegan and eco-friendly (yay!) and they come in the coolest colors. No but like really. Best colors ever. Reality Bites is cream polish in a coral with tangerine highlights. I love this color because it's a fun, bright, springy color but it's not glaring like a neon. Swagger is a metallic rose gold. I LOVE metallic polishes. Love. The usual gold ones are cute, but the pink twist with this one makes it so much more interesting and so much younger and more flattering. Prima Donna is a metallic pink with lavender undertones. I want this. I want this a lot. It's such a cool color! The pinky purple is all cute and girly, and then you throw in the metallic twist and BAM it's all high fashion and quirky chic.
Images from pbteen.com, endless.com, gingerandliz.com.
I'm thinking about finding summer jobs right now, and the sad thing is, when I think about sumer, I think about shopping. And you all know that I love shopping. Definitely too much. Here are my two favorite things I found perusing around today:
Foley + Corinna Jet Set Bag, $495 at shopbop.com, Alice + Olivia Nicola Fitted Dress, $297 at shopbop.com: I've wanted this bag since 8th grade. No joke. It was actually between this one and the one I got (the city tote) when I bought it, after having saved up all my money FOREVER. The city tote won out, but I still have a soft spot for this baby. I love the structured shape, and how it contrasts with the slightly edgier details, like the buckles and zippers. It's just the right size for all my junk, and the leather on these Foley + Corinna bags ages so, so well. Plus it has a handy shoulder strap so you can wear it two ways. If you can't tell, I want it again. On another fab note, there's this Alice + Olivia leopard dress. I love me some leopard, and I love me some body-con dresses, and when you put them together--DOUBLE LOVE. It's almost too much, but since the cut of the dress is so simple I think it works, no?
Images via shopbop.com.
Aw, J. Crew. It's like they understand me so well. I'm going to start one-stop shopping there soon. I mean, now they sell nail polish and lip gloss, so I'm pretty much set for life. Here are some of their cute new items:Oxford Ballet Flats, $138 at jcrew.com, Corsa Hobo, $298 at jcrew.com: I've always wished I could rock a pair of oxfords, but something about the lace-up structure of them throws me off, and they're a little on the masculine side for me. That's why I think these flats are adorable. They have the styling of a pair of oxfords, but in cute little ballet flat format. It's the perfect balance of masculine and feminine, and so quirky chic. J. Crew is really knocking it out of the park with their handbags recently. I like my bags to be basic and versatile, but with a bit of a unique twist. This bag is big enough to hold all my junk, a versatile and rich color, and has a few little quirks: the distressed leather, the oversized zipper pulls, the chain handle. Plus at just under $300, it's a pretty good deal.
Swirling Dots Dress, $148 at jcrew.com, Crosstown Tee, $27.60 at jcrew.com: I am still on the hunt for the perfect little sundress--just a hint of vintage flair, flattering cut, lightweight. This isn't it, but it's pretty darn cute. It has a cute swirling dot print, a light cotton-silk blend fabric, a cut that flirts the line between fitted and flowing nicely, and a sweet little bow at the bustline. It's simple but elegant, and an outfit in and of itself. I love all of J. Crew's riffs on the basic tee, like this wrap/crossover front tee. It comes in a ton of colors, the wrap cut makes your waist look tiny, and it's one sale. Wootwoot.
Images via jcrew.com.
Dudes. I am sick. It's bronchitis city over here. Blah. So if I seem a little...blah over the next few days, it's not that I don't love you guys anymore. It's that I feel like death. So here are some pretty things to cheer us all up.
J. Crew Silk Serenade Dress, $138 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Corsa Tote, $238 at jcrew.com: How adorable are these new J. Crew pieces? Drool. I love the blue shade of this slip dress, I love the subtle sheen of the silk, and I love the cut with its lingerie inclinations. You could dress it up in a very feminine, sexy way, or you could dress it down and make it daytime appropriate. I wish I had the money to buy this J. Crew tote for my textbooks. It's just big enough for books and laptops, it has a good number of pockets for stashing things in, and the washed and worn leather look reminds me of an old motorcycle jacket in the best possible way.
LUSH It's Raining Men Shower Gel, $24.95 at lushusa.com: I would buy this for the name alone. It's Raining Men? In the shower? Yes. Just yes. And the fact that it has notes of lotus flower, honey, bergamot oil, and orange blossom seals the deal. It would make me smile in the gross dorm showers, and that's a feat in and of itself.Images via jcrew.com, lushusa.com.
Sometimes when I get to that really burnt out, stressed, tired/grumpy place during midterms/finals, I like to buy myself things to make me feel better. I know it's terrible, but it's sad how much better a new nail polish can make me feel about having to write a 7 page Medieval Spanish Lit paper (yep, that was my weekend). Here are some of the things that I want to buy myself right now.Rebecca Minkoff Charm Mini Bag, $225 at shopbop.com: I'm really warming up to the idea of shoulder bags with long straps, like this little Rebecca Minkoff bag. It's affordable, it has a girly shape with some sassy detailing, it has a practical turnlock closure, and it's small enough to be easy to deal with, but it's still a versatile size. Also I'm just dying for a little Chanel shoulder bag, but this is a much more realistic option.
Elizabeth & James Fairfax Sunglasses, $185 at shopbop.com: I LOVE THESE CAT EYE SUNGLASSES. The shape is just so cute and retro and refreshing when basically all everyone is wearing nowadays are aviators and some variation on Wayfarers (guilty on both counts). The slightly tortoiseshell frame adds to the retro effect, but the wire arms keep it all from being too heavy and intense.
Essie Polish in Smokin' Hot, $3.75 at amazon.com: This polish is from the winter collection and I am 100% picking it up on Wednesday when I finally get to go to Ulta. Smokin' Hot is a grey-mauve-taupe. Here's a good swatch. I'm really feeling it because it's offbeat but polished and wintery, and it manages to not be a stereotypical color without resorting to being ugly. Plus warm purpley greys are so much more flattering on me than cool-toned grays.
Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, amazon.com.
Mostly pretty J. Crew things. J. Crew is seriously hitting it out of the park this season. Also they sell Essie and Bobbi Brown there now? Interesting. Sandro Jet Lace-Trimmed Mini Skirt, $255 at net-a-porter.com, J. Crew Chunky Fairisle Funnelneck Sweater, $148 at jcrew.com: This skirt + holiday parties = match made in heaven. Dress it down with a white tee. Dress it up with a blouse. The options are endless, and the lace detail makes it much sassier than the usual pencil mini skirt. You guys know that I'm not a preppy person. Cable knits and pearls make me cringe. But some deep, pathogical part of me really wants to wear this Fairisle sweater with dark jeans and a pair of equestrian-inspired boots. I think it's the All American Girl collection. I'm irrationally drawn to that wholesome, Ralph Lauren-esque look.
Coquette Hobo in Shimmer Leather, $248 at jcrew.com: This really reminds me of this Stella McCartney bag in black. Except a zillion times cheaper. The combination of the leather/ribbon/chain handles is very Lanvin (love), the top has a turnlock, which is super convenient, and I love the construction. You can scrunch the sides up and down based on how much stuff you have in it, so you can go super slouchy or nice and structure. The slight sheen of the leather adds a nice glam twist, and makes black fun instead of boring.
Tinsel Bustier Dress, $695 at jcrew.com: I realize that this is a lot for a J. Crew dress. But it's limited edition and the tinsel is hand sewn to the skirt! Gosh I'm gullible. I just love the shape of it, with the voluminous skirt against the fitted bustier, and the contrast between the matte top and the high sheen of the skirt. It feels so festive and holiday party appropriate, but at the same time you could really wear it all year.
Images from net-a-porter.com, jcrew.com, jcrew.com, jcrew.com.
Hello, four day weekend. How long I've waited for you. Well, not that long since I have three papers and a midterm to work out before Monday, but it's the thought that counts. To get me in a happier place, I put together some pretty things. It always does the trick.
YARNZ Butterfly Mosaic Scarf, $170 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Stripley Mid City Tote, $495 at shopbop.com: I need this scarf in my life. It's seven feet long, all cashmere, and covered in tiny butterflies. Butterflies! Ah. So cute. I want to wear it with a white tee and some plain jeans. There's something so snuggly and cozy about big cashmere scarves. And they're super handy for traveling, because they can double as blankets on long flights. I have the plain, brown version of this bag, and I love it to death. The textured black version, however, is calling to me. It's a little more urban and punky, which works so well with the basic shape, but since it's a neutral color, it works with everything.
Elizabeth & James Holiday Skirt, $245 at shopbop.com, Sandro Rancon Silk and Tulle Dress, $395 at net-a-porter.com: This skirt is so flouncy and holiday-ish! I love that it looks a bit like a modern crinoline, and then you have the black hue and the leather waistband to add some modern edge. I'd pair it with a lightly embellished white tank and some costume jewelry. Doesn't this dress scream holiday party? The ruffled, swiss dot skirt is so festive and party appropriate, the white silk top is flattering and very wintery, and the bit of sparkle at the waist makes it so perfect for going out. You could really do this and some black heels and be done.
Markus Lupfer Sinner Shirt, $185 at net-a-porter.com, and Sequin Spell Shirt, $265 at net-a-porter.com: I will freely admit that these shirts are way overpriced, but at the same time I still totally love them. And the words are embroidered, which helps justify it a little bit. Kinda. This sinner shirt also has a counterpart that's white and says 'saint,' but I think it's mildly obnoxious to walk around with that across your chest, whereas this is just mildly hilarious. I'd wear it to the coffee shop or on errands, with a pair of boots, straight-leg dark jeans, and some big sunglasses. This Sequin Spell shirt reminds me of the "I put a spell on you" song from Hocus Pocus (LOVE IT). It's just so funny and unexpectedly charming, no? Plus, I love me some daytime sequins.
Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.
I'm probably the only person out there who actually liked the Marie Antoinette movie that came out a couple years ago. It might not have been the most plot-driven movie ever, but it was definitely visually inspiring. The Manolo Blahnik shoes, the frothy dresses, the candy colors, Kiersten Dunst, the music, the ridiculous food. It's just a really fun movie to watch (fun fact, the last time I watched it was right after I got my wisdom teeth out and was hopped up on painkillers. Fun, fun times). I loved the super girly, romantic style of the movie, and so I rounded up a couple of dresses and such that I thought fit a modern take on the Marie Antoinette style--lots of pastels, lace, sparkles, lingerie inspiration, etc.
Bird by Juicy Couture Wool-cashmere Sequined Cardigan, $450 at net-a-porter.com, Alice + Olivia Georgette Draped Mini-dress, $370 at net-a-porter.com: I feel like Marie Antoinette would have been all over this cardigan. It's pink, it's (partially) cashmere, and it's covered in sequins but doesn't manage to look like a disco ball. I'd pair this with something simple, maybe a pair of dark wash, Audrey Hepburn cropped jeans and a plain white v-neck. This dress is a more subtle option--the sumptuous draping really reminded me of the period, and since it's balanced out by the simple top and black waist-detail, it doesn't come across as too heavy or old-fashioned.
L'Agence Crepe Belted Dress, $350 at net-a-porter.com, ALICE by Temperley Claudia Stud-embellished Skirt, $250 at net-a-porter.com: My favorite outfit in Marie Antoinette was her nightgown. So pretty. The lingerie-inspired pieces in that film at fantastic. I picked this dress because it had a similar boudoir feel, in a very pared-down, modern way. The little ruffles at the neckline and the bow at the waist could have come straight out of the film, but the slip dress silhouette is very now, so it all works. I heart this skirt. The bow and the pale pink hue totally fit with the vibe of the movie, and I think that the offbeat combination of the studs with the girly pencil skirt is something Marie Antoinette would have approved of (girl made some daring fashion choices). How adorable would this be with a plain white tank and some layered necklaces?
Paul & Joe Festi Lace Mini Skirt, $590 at net-a-porter.com, Lanvin Pouchette Oulouette Satin Bag, $1,185 at net-a-porter.com: This skirt has a similar thing going on--very conservative, girly cut and material, and then you get the pop of edginess with the detailing--the zippers here. Come to think of it, this would great for a holiday party, no? This bag just kills me. The feather, the purple silk, the chain strap, it all reminds me of the outfit she wears to the party in Paris she sneaks off to. It's all very dramatic, but in a refined, feminine way. If only that price tag was cut in half. Or thirds. Or eighths.Also, I'm dying to get my hands on this. Images from screenmusings.org, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.
TGIF. TGIF. TGIF times a million. Why? BECAUSE IT'S HALLOWEEN WEEKEND!!! So much excitement. On that happy note, here are some current cravings of mine.
BE & D Foundry Bag, $945 at shopbop.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs Ozzie Square Lucy Tote, $398 at shopbop.com: I love the shapes of these bags. They're both so structured and classic, but have little updates in the detailing. This BE & D bag has such a practical handle, and the chain adds a nice bit of edge to the geometric shape and the neutral color (I'm totally loving that taupey-grey, by the way. It's still a versatile color, but it's a little more interesting than the usual brown or black). This Marc by Marc bag has the shape of a slightly slouchy Birkin bag, and I love it. The red modernizes the structured shape nicely, the mock-croc embossing adds a touch of luxury, and there's a removable shoulder strap. Lurve.
Illamasqua False Lashes, $16 at sephora.com: I'm toying with the idea of getting false lashes. I've never been one of those girls that's really into mascara, just because I'm lazy and I'd rather do liner, so the idea of getting big lashes without dealing with multiple coats of mascara. I trust Illamasqua for lashes because they do basically super intense theater/drag queen makeup, so I feel like their false lashes would be legit. I'm especially keen on the lashes that get longer towards the outer corners, like these. Has anyone tried false lashes before? Any application tips?
Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, sephora.com.
I am opposed to buying a Halloween costume that you can only wear on Halloween on principle. Why am I going to spend a good amount of money on something I only wear once (and if I can only wear it once, it's guaranteed to be pretty ridiculous)? This is sad, but I judge purchases like that in terms of how many MAC shadows I could have bought instead. If I spend $45 on a wear-once costume, I just lost out on 3 MAC shadows. Not cool. Instead, I will always find an excuse to do a Halloween costume that involves pieces that I wanted to buy anyways (I justified my Ray-Bans as part of an Audrey Hepburn costume. Yes, I'm that nerdy). Take this year's costume. I need to get this red American Apparel pencil skirt, and I've already started planning non-Halloweeny outfits around it. I'm actually really excited about it. I'm really feeling a '70s-inspired, slightly retro school teacher/equestrian ensemble.
American Apparel Interlock Pencil Skirt in Cranberry, $32 at americanapparelstore.com, KAIN Label Pocket Tank, $80 at shopbop.com: Here's the skirt. It's a rusty red color, which is totally on-trend for fall, and also a complete departure from the rest of my closet. Red scares me. I own officially one red piece of clothing, and I just got it a week ago. The idea of wearing so much red in one outfit would scare me if it was a top, but it totally works as a bottom. You get all the impact of red without all that color up by your face (yes, that much color by my face scares me). Also, I'm trying to stock up on pencil skirts. I have a very hourglassy figure, and the slight a-line skirts I have just don't flatter that. See, it's a practical Halloween costume! I'd pair the form-fitted skirt with a lighter, softer top like this KAIN tank. The skirt is all business and structure, and the tank adds a little flow and a little sexiness with the sheerness. Plus, since it's so thin, it won't look all lumpy and bumpy when tucked into the skirt.
Frye Melissa Button Boots, $318 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote, $395 at museten.com: In keeping with the '70s vibe, I'd do accessories in warm brown leather. The rusty red and equestrian inspired leather pieces just feel so '70s, no? I'd wear the skirt with these boots because, well, I have these boots. And I have this bag. Hehe. But I do think they all really work together nicely. The boots add a rugged twist, and the bag is not only a '70s inspired shape, but ties together the outfit from head to toe. Also it's just an awesome bag. I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a basic, practical bag that will wear well and get you tons of compliments.
Bing Bang Tiny Skull Stud Earrings, $30 at shopbop.com, Erica Klein Horse Necklace, $140 at shopbop.com: I love the idea of adding a little subversive twist with the jewelry. These studs look just like basic studs from far away because they're so small, but once you get up close you see that they're little skulls, which adds a fun, offbeat vibe to the ensemble. Plus, they're gold-plated, which means they won't irritate your ears. The horse necklace ties in with the equestrian vibe, and is unexpected and quirky in a polished way. I think the '70s are definitely about warm, gold jewelry.
Images from americanapparelstore.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, museten.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com.
