This Hair. I Need It.

I need the hair from the Fall 2011 Chloe show.  It's to die for.  First off, that strawberry blonde color is covetable, but it's the combination of straight and wavy that's going on here with the bedhead thrown in.  It's an interesting, new take on beachy waves.  It looks like they just curled a few sections in the middle of the hair with a center part and lots of volume.

Image via allure.com.

Oh Yes I Did.

So I have a sorority formal coming up in a few weeks, and I was going through my closet over and over trying to decide what to wear and coming up with nada.  And then I checked my bank account and realized it was a little higher than expected, so I went straight to Rent The Runway.  Yep.  I finally caved.  I'm so excited.


Herve Leger "Naughty and Nice" Dress, rent for $100, retail $1,050, Catherine Malandrino "Modern Queen Elizabeth" Dress, rent for $75, retail $525: I rented (or will rent haha) this purple Herve Leger dress.  I've been dying to try one for years, literally, and I love this one.  The purple is a great color for me, and the sweetheart neckline is great for a bigger chest, plus it's the perfect length and I love the open back.  The way Rent The Runway works is that you get two sizes of the dress you order to try on (and if you order 1 dress you can get another of equal or lesser value for TWENTY FIVE DOLLARS).  I'm wearing this with big sparkley earrings and strappy black platforms and it is going to be epic.  Now, I won't personally order this second dress for my body type, but I absolutely love the cut of it.  Isn't it gorgeous?  The open shoulders!  Sigh.  Someone order it so I can look at pretty pictures of it.  Oh!  Rent The Runway also sends you a Fit Kit with double sided tape and lint rollers, etc, which is so cute and practical.

The Preppy Polka Dot Personalized Tumbler, $14.50 at etsy.com: The other thing I got myself today was one of these tumblers.  I know they're sickeningly cute, but they're so practical for someone who's always reusing Starbucks cups for drinks in my room.  You can get different fonts and colors with your name on the front (I did a grey/light pink/black combo).  I love things like this that are cute and practical.

Images via renttherunway.com, etsy.com.

Friday Faves

Oof, it's been a long week.  Time to look at some pretty things, no?

Rebecca  Taylor Tiered Matte-Silk Maxi Dress, $345 at net-a-porter.com, YSL Belle D'Opium, $89 for 3 oz. at sephora.com: This first one is wishful thinking, seeing as it was about 20 degrees yesterday.  Cry.  Maxi skirts are going to/have been big for a while, and while that skirt does absolutely nothing for my body type.  Maxi dresses, however, manage to be a bit more flattering with the cinched in waists and fitted tops.  I love the vibrant purple hue of this one, and the matte finish of the silk gives it such an interestingly luxurious and exotic vibe.  I want this perfume, if only for the bottle and the fact that the UK outlawed the commercials with a girl randomly dancing around because they simulated opium use.  Really UK?  Having finally watched Skins, I can say that their standards are wack, because that show is CRAZY.  Anyways, this perfume has notes of peach, white pepper, casablanca lily, jasmine, incense, resins, and sandalwood.  I really wanted to like the original Opium, but it was a big too strong and old-fashioned for me.  This, on the other hand, sounds absolutely lovely, just the right mixture of sexy and fresh.

Acne Breeze Top, $300 at shopbop.com, Club Monaco Olivia Skirt, $149 at shopbop.com: First off, this is definitely a dress and not a top.  But second off, I love dresses like this.  It's all cute and cozy from the front and then BAM, turn around and it's crazy sexy and offbeat.  I've never shopped at Club Monaco, but how adorable is that skirt?  It's a beige chiffon with sewn-on rhinestones, the perfect combination of modern, feminine, elegant, and whimsical.  I'd do this with a sheerish white tee and a ton of jewelry.

Have a happy weekend y'all!


Images via net-a-porter.com, sephora.com, shopbop.com.

Craving: Cult Nails

I know nothing about this brand except that it's tiny and was recently established by a beauty blogger.  However I do know that I NEED THIS COLOR.  


It's called Iconic, and it's $10 at cultnails.com.  It's a deep red/berry creme with red flakes and gold shimmer, and there are more pics here.  I like that the color is deep enough to be vampy but not so dark that it reads as non-descript-red-black color (those are the worst!) and the golden flakes/shimmer are so unexpected but gorgeous.  They give the polish a beautiful molten lava feel.  This brand also has a very cool deep blue/green with blue shimmer that looks like the night sky.  So fab.

Image via cultnails.com.

Randomly Craving: Kate Spade

I am not really a Kate Spade person.  Mainly because I'm just not really a preppy person.  I don't wear lots of collared shirts or pastels or polka dots or any of that, so I don't generally look at Kate Spade.  But for some reason I ended up on the website this morning, and there were actually some kind of adorable accessories.  Here are my top three:


iPhone 4 Hard Cover, $40 at katespade.com: I have a pink case for my iPhone, and it's a normal medium pink with lighter pink accents.  It's fine.  It's a bit on the boring side.  I have to have a case because otherwise I will actually shatter my phone to pieces, so I want it to be a cute case.  I really like this one, with the combination of the pink trim on the front and the crazy, psychedelic flowers on the back.  I like the balance between cute, creepy, and functional.

Devote Mod Leopard Lacey, $225 at katespade.com: This wallet is totally overpriced.  I recognize that.  But this is so...so cute.  The monochromatic leopard print strikes a nice balance between functional and sassily adorable, and it has SO many pockets inside.  I love wallets that have lots of compartments where you can store fun stuff, and this one has literally tons.

Emma Book Clutch, $325 at katespade.com: And this one is my favorite.  It's a hard clutch shaped like Jane Austen's Emma.  I find book clutches mildly obnoxious most of the time, but this is one of my favorite books, so I can't hate on it.  The pale pink color is lovely (and what I'm painting my room next year!), and the back has one of my favorite quotes from the book.  It's so sweet in a sassy-nerd sort of way.  As I am sassy and also somewhat nerdy, this belongs in my life.  Also I just realized I have no clutches...hm...

Images via katespade.com.

End of Week Ramble

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.

Mary Green Sleeping Beauty Eye Mask, $25 at shopbop.com, Alice + Olivia Tie-Dye Silk-Georgette Dress, $295 at net-a-porter.com: I need one of these.  So badly.  I can sleep through basically anything, but it's so hard to fall asleep when one of your roommates is cramming late for a test and has a bunch of lights on (just a hypothetical situation).  I want a glam, cute solution to having to bury my face under a pillow, and this is it.  The pale pink is adorable, but the black gives it a nice edge, and the 'sleeping beauty' thing is so sweet.  Also confidence boosting in the early morning.  For the longest time I thought this dress was plaid.  Which was really cute.  But the fact that it's tie-dye that doesn't look overly hippie-tastic or granola-y is kind of awesome.  It's like minimalist, abstract tie-dye, and that works so well with the simple cut of the dress.

Images via shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com.

Currently Craving

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.

BHLDN

This is bad news for brides-to-be everywhere, kids.  Anthropologie has launched an online bridal shop, complete with wedding dresses, bridesmaid dresses, cocktail dresses, accessories, shoes, etc, etc.  Why is this bad news?  Because it is going to kill my wallet and I'm not even getting married.  It's genius, really.  Take the romatic-boho chic of Anthropologie and capitalize on it in wedding form and you have a guaranteed money maker.  Here are some of my favorite pieces (but let's be honest, I love all of them):

Tiered Tulip Gown, $2,400 at bhldn.com: I love this wedding dress.  It's so different from what you usually see, but not so different that you could never actually wear it as a wedding dress.  The lettuce edge to the layers adds a hint of femininity without going overboard, the slit in the front shows a bit of ankle without being too sexy, and the black sash at the waist adds just the right amount of structure and edge.  It's modern, it's romantic, and it's just a bit quirky.

Starburst Pleated Shift, $200 at bhldn.com: This is so '20s screen siren, in a modern take (also, does that model look a bit like Camilla Belle or is that just me?).  The black becomes fun instead of standard with the high sheen fabric, the subtle pleating gives the simple shape some visual interest, and the wrapped, jeweled belt adds this old school glamour twist.  I want to wear this dress in a smokey speakeasy with tons of black liner and basically just be awesome.

Savoy Dress, $220 at bhldn.com: I have a dress like this from Rodarte for Target, with the same neckline with the illusion/sheer fabric and the sweetheart cut.  It's such a fun dress because you aren't showing too much skin, but you're still flashing a little something-something.  The length is flattering but wedding appropriate, and the sweetness of the little bow balances out the vampiness of the lipstick red perfectly.

Images via BHLDN.com.

J. Crew Wants

 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.

Craving: Urban Decay Feminine Palette

I don't think I've ever bought an eyeshadow palette.  I'm too picky.  I like to be able to choose all of my colors.  But sometimes I wish I had a cute little palette like this to take with me when I travel.  It's so much more travel friendly than a ton of loose eyeshadows and the packaging is LOVELY.  


Urban Decay Feminine Palette, $34 at urbandecay.com.  Loving the feathery art on the front.  I'd actually be proud to whip this out of my makeup bag.

So what's included in the palette is a mini of their Eden shadow primer (a matte beige), a mini of their 24-7 liner in Zero (black), and 6 shadows: Stray Dog, a cool deep brown taupe, SWF, a metallic cotton candy pink, Midnight Cowboy, a gilded champage bronze, Aquarius, a pale, muted teal with silver shimmer, Darkhorse, a deep chocolate bronze-brown, and Ecstacy, a cool violet purple.  I really love that there's a nice combination of wearable, chic shades, and then there's the purple and the teal thrown in for a fun, whimsical touch.  The black liner adds a nice bit of edge to it all. 

I read somewhere that you get about $80 worth of product in this palette, which is a pretty phenomenal steal considering that the actual price is about $46 less than that.  Talk about a bargain people.  Has anyone tried this?  I want it.


Images via audreydao.com.

Today's Wants

I need to choose my classes next year based solely on which ones don't have WiFi in the classrooms.  Otherwise I need to change my major to online shopping.  Which I would be amazing at.  Here are my two favorite things I found today:


Elizabeth & James Odila Leather and Glossed-twill Bell Skirt, $465 at net-a-porter.com, Emma Cook Feather Print Silk Crepe de Chine Dress, $620 at net-a-porter.com: This skirt is HOT.  I love me an a-line skirt under any circumstances, but this one is extra fab because of the built-in leather belt with all its geometric cut outs.  The sheen of the leather and the interesting texture put all the emphasis on your waist, and the flair of the a-line skirt makes your waist look tiny.  Doesn't the flower print on this dress look real?  That's why I like it.  It looks like a $1,000 dress covered in real feather, but instead it's a $600 dress that balances a vibrant, textural print with a clean, simple silhouette perfectly.  It's such a statement in and of itself.

Images via net-a-porter.com.

Hello, Pretty

The weather in Boston right now is a lovely combination of snow, ice, and rain.  Delightful.  I'm just wearing rain boots every day at this point.  What else can you do?  (aside from curl up in the fetal position on the floor and cry.  been there, done that.)  Anyways, the shoes I really want to be wearing right now look something like these babies.


Dolce Vita Jade Crisscross Wedge Sandals, $191 at shopbop.com: These are fabulous.  They're made of nubuck leather, which has this gorgeous suede-like finish, the coral-red is such a fun, summery color in the middle of all this grey cloudiness going on right now, and the zipper and tassel in the back are so sassy!  The whole vibe is the perfect combination of modern lines and retro styling, and I'm loving the 4.5 inch wedges with the platform.  I not so secretly love platforms and totally have a secret thing for wedges.  Maybe it's just my epic clumsiness, but they're so much easier for me to walk in.

Images from shopbop.com.

I'm Alive.

Contrary to popular belief, I did not die during the past week.  I disappeared under the giant rock/blackhole is that sorority recruitment week.  Totally thought I could handle it and blog occasionally.  Totally overestimated my time management skills.  BUT on the plus side now I'm back and will have plenty of time to blog (finally).  Yipee!  So here are some of the fun things I've been bookmarking this week and waiting to blog about.  (Sidenote: two of my three free Zoya polishes finally shipped.  After a month of being on backorder.  Cry.  So they're at my house in LA and getting sent out here tomorrow so hopefully I'll be able to review those soon!).


I'm in an eat my feelings sort of place right now (damn you, econ problem set), and I've been staring at these adorable chocolates for almost a week now.  I think they belong in my life.  They're from a company called Sweeteeth (cutesy), but what I really love are the adorably quirky packaging and the amazing flavors.  Example one: A'Chocolypse, a dark chocolate bar with candied ginger and popping sugar, and Cinnapsis: dark chocolate with dried apples, candied pecans and cinnamon.  My stomach is actually rumbling right now.

Also, this past week for recruitment I switched it up and wore a pair of pink pearl earrings I hijacked from my mom (sorry mommy).  I know that sounds silly, but it is a BIG change for me.  I've had the same pair of earrings in for a little over a year now.  It's this pair from Viv & Ingrid, just little rose posts plated in gold.  What I love about them is that they're simple, but not boring, they don't irritate my ears, and they NEVER fall out.  I've gone months not taking them out for anything (working out, showering, sleeping), and they are not gonna fall out.  Ever.  It's very reassuring.  So I love them to death, but I kinda want to branch out a little more.  The pearls have given me courage!  I absolutely love these drop earrings from Rachel Leigh.  They're $106 at shopbop.com.  The juxtaposition of the cut crystals and the aged, gunmetal settings is so rock and roll glam, and...basically they're large and sparkley, so I love them.

That's all for today folks!  I promise I'll be more entertaining tomorrow, I'm still a little brain dead.


Images via vivandingrid.com, shopbop.com.

Pretty Things

 Guess what y'all???  IT'S THE WEEKEND.  Well, unless you have class tomorrow.  In which case I am very sorry.  So here are some pretty things to make you feel better about that unfortunate scheduling incident.

Laura Mercier Silk Road Eye and Cheek Palette, $48 at sephora.com, Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Shadow Pencil, $20 at sephora.com: I like this palette based solely on the name (total history nerd alert).  But it's also full of colors that are actually useful.  There's Palace Pink blush (a soft shimmering pink with gold pearl), Persian Rose blush (a pink coral with gold sheen), and then eye shadows in Regal Violet (vibrant sparkling violet), Golden Sands (soft pink peach with gold pearl), Rare Taupe (soft taupe grey with satin finish), and Lavender Silk (pale blue violet with matte finish).  I really love the two blushes--anything pale and pink and shimmery has my vote--and I really love that the shadows are wearable colors but not the usual taupes and neutrals.  You could do a simple eye with the pale pink and the taupe, or do the taupe with the dark purple in the v for a smokier look, or combine the purples, or do a combo of the pale pink and the lavender for a soft, ethereal look.  Now, I'm not a huge fan of Urban Decay's 24/7 liners (the lasting power for me is sub-par), but I've heard such good things about these shadow pencils that I'm dying to try one.  I like to blend/combine lots of pretty shadows in the morning, but sometimes I sleep in too late and just don't have time to do the whole blending/contouring she-bang.  So I find the idea of a one-step, do it all pencil very appealing.  The shades are very similar to the UD liners, and I hear the lasting power is great.  I'd love to try Sin (champagne) and Rehab (taupe).

Stila Make Me Blush Set, $20 at sephora.com: This is the cutest gift for Valentine's Day EVER.  The lip glazes are .05 oz instead of the fullsize .08 oz, and the full-size glosses are $22, so that's a great deal in and of itself.  The shades included are Hugs (creamy rose) and Kisses (sparkling red), which are cutely named for Valentine's Day and pretty colors.  But the blush is what really gets me.  HOW ADORABLE IS THAT?  The color is a flattering blend of peach, pink, and deep, and the gold dusting adds a nice little sparkle.  I want to buy this for Valentine's Day for myself.  Is that sad?

Images via sephora.com.

Me Want

I want this.


Wildfox Paris Pony Tee, $77 at shopbop.com: I know it's overpriced.  But it's really cute.  It's a big white scoopneck tee (which already sold me) and then you add the pony and the Paris and the vintagey feel and I NEED IT.  I want to wear it with dark wash jeans and boots and pretty jewelry and run around feeling French.

Image via shopbop.com.

Sick Day Outfit

I'm still in the throes of this blah general sick feelingness that I think might be bronchitis.  Crycry.  The problem with this situation is that I just want to curl up in my bed and nap, but I have to go to classes and meetings and sorority stuff.  So the current goal is to wear clothes that feel like pajamas for when I can't wear actual pajamas.  Woohoo.  Here is my current dream "cozy but still cute" outfit.

KAIN Pocket Tank, $55 at tobi.com, Patterson J. Kincaid Patricia Cardigan, $218 at shopbop.com: These KAIN tanks are ridiculously comfortable.  The fit is slightly oversized without being too bulky, the fabric feels like silk, and they manage to be basic without being boring.  I'd pair the white tank with this soft red sweater.  It's just big enough to be cozy, the mixture of fabrics (wool, angora, etc) makes it very soft but also way, the big pockets are fun and practical, and the thumbholes on the sleeves are adorable and just perfect for when you're feeling blah and schlumpy.  Plus the cranberry hue is so pretty and will liven up even the palest of sad, sick complexions (like mine!  It might also be the complete lack of sun, but I'm pretty sure I glow in the dark at this point).

Ugg Australia Montclair Boots, $199.95 at nordstrom.com, 7 For All Mankind Gwenevere Jeans, $113 at tobi.com: Confession: I don't like UGG boots.  I do own two pairs, but I only wear them inside, I promise.  But this pair is mildly acceptable for public consumption when it's cold out and you're sick and you just want to be cozy.  The lace-up detail, slim cut, and exposed cuff make this pair a little more fashion forward and flattering than the standard UGG boot, no?  The one thing I hate to wear the most when I'm sick is a constricting pair of pants.  There's nothing that makes you feel less cozy.  This pair, however, actually feels like pajama pants.  They have a nice high waist, and are super stretchy, plus the slim leg would tuck into the boots perfectly.

Kenneth Jay Lane Tassel Necklace, $39.90 at shopbop.com: Now, even if you're sick, you've gotta have a little bit of bling.  Just a little to make you feel less sad and blah.  I'd go for a simple pendant necklace, since it's easy but high impact.  This one is on sale (woot), and the organic feeling stone and festive tassel make it unique and glam in a sort of low maintenance way.

Images via shopbop.com, tobi.com, nordstrom.com.

Shiny Pretty Happy Things

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.

Too Faced Cravings

I've never bought anything from Too Faced, but I was browsing around Sephora's website today, and the only two things that caught my eye were these Too Faced items.


Too Faced Romantic Eye Classic Beauty Shadow Collection, $35 at sephora.com, Too Faced Peach Leopard Brightening & Perfecting Bronzer, $28 at sephora.com: This Too Faced set has 9 shadows.  The three large ones are Soul Mates (pale peach shimmer), Kiss the Brides (matte pale pink), and Bouquet Toss (matte pale yellow ivory), and the six small ones are I Do (matte taupe), Un-Veil (matte soft black), Cut The Cake (mauve lavender shimmer), First Dance (deep matte purple), Honeymoon (burnished gold shimmer), and Ever After (bronze shimmer).  For $35 and that many shadows, this is a great deal.  I don't really see the bridal theme with the actual shadows (black and dark purple for a bride?  Really?), but I do like the colors all together.  It has a very romantic, whimsical feel, and I like that you get such a variety of colors.  You can really get a lot of looks out of this palette, and the box is just adorable.  Plus the finishes look so rich, with a rich shimmer instead of chunky glitter.  I've never bought a set of shadows, but...I want this.  Like a lot.  I'm so bad at not shopping.  It's a problem.  And this Too Faced bronzer is equally adorable.  I'm honestly sold with the leopard pattern alone, but the fact that on top of that you get a beautiful combo of peach, chocolate, and bronze that doesn't look too shimmery or glittery makes it perfect.

Images via sephora.com.