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.
So this isn't my exact go-to ensemble, but it's very similar. This is what I'd wear to the family Xmas or holiday dinner, where you want to look nice and put together but it isn't as formal as say, a cocktail party. For me, when I think of holiday colors I think of red and green. I don't like to wear both at the same time, and red is just more festive to me than green, so I usually go with red, and mix it with some other wintery colors, like white, gold, and silver. Erin Fetherston for Juicy Couture Embellished Scoop Neck Top, $158 at shopbop.com, American Apparel Interlock Pencil Skirt in Cranbery, $32 at americanapparelstore.com: I love this tee/pencil skirt combo because it's really, really comfortable but it's very flattering and it looks very polished. The skirt is the perfect shade of deep, cranberry red, and you can fold over the top easily to get it the right length for you (plus it's less than $35!!!). This dolman top tucked into the skirt will make you waist look teensy in contrast with the wide sleeves, and the draping of the top goes so nicely against the clean lines of the skirt. Plus that embellished neckline is so festive and party-ready.
Halston Heritage Skinny Sash Belt, $75 at shopbop.com, Jeffrey Campbell Tabitha Lace Platform Pumps, $130 at shopbop.com: I'd add this metallic belt to jazz it up even more, and draw the eye straight to your waist. It's really long, so it wraps around the waist like a sash, which gives it an unexpectedly formal twist. I. Love. These. Shoes. They're a little on the strippery side, but the black color palette keeps them from being too racy. The platform makes them comfy, and the lace paneling is so elegant and offbeat.
And if you really want to be the star of the night, bring a plate of these chocolate crinkle cookies. I left out the cherries and added some extra chocolate chips and some cayenne pepper instead to make them Mexican chocolate style. They're delicious, really easy to make, and the perfect combination of gooey and crispy. Trust me, you'll be very popular.
Images from shopbop.com, americanapparelstore.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com.
Sorority rush is a tricky thing. Sisters work so, so hard to make it seem natural and spontaneous when you're in a house, but the truth is that there are months and months (literally) of planning that go into that week of events. Speaking as a sister going through it right now, it's much more intense than it looks. As a rushee, when you only get 10 or 15 minutes to make a good impression on someone you have to realize that how you've presented yourself, with your clothes/hair/makeup, will factor into that a lot. Because honestly, how much about someone can you leave from 10 minutes of conversation? I can learn more about you from looking at your outfit for 30 seconds.
Now, my school has a fairly informal rush, but we do ask you to dress a certain way and in different sorts of outfits on different days. The guidelines that potential sisters get are much more vague than the guidelines we get as initiated sisters, but your best bet is to dress how we dress. What we're told to do is dress like we're going out to a nice dinner with friends and family--fashion forward but not too trendy, not frumpy but not overexposed, and dressing it up a little with rich hues, luxe textures, and classy jewelry. The one thing you have to keep in mind is that for most schools, like mine, rush is in winter. It's COLD. So a cute little sundress won't cut it when you're standing outside in the snow. You want to balance the cute and the practical. Here's what I'd recommend as a formula for a less formal rush:
Juliet & Company Champagne Pearl Stud Earrings, $20 at shopbop.com, Joie Bittersweet B Top, $168 at shopbop.com: As far as jewelry goes, you don't want to do anything crazy here that will distract people from you and what you're trying to convey about yourself. I'd recommend going for a simple pair of posts and maybe a small pendant necklace. I like these earrings because pearl studs are so stereotypical sorority, but this pair is fun because they're such a flattering shade of pink and slightly oversized and glam. Now, on to tops. I'd really skip the skirts and try jeans and a top. You can go two routes here: do a more statementy top and then just your coat on top, or do a more basic top with a cute little cardigan. For a bolder top, I love this Joie blouse. The red is so classically chic, the ruffles add a sweetly girly twist, and the cut is extremely flattering for almost all body types.
J. Crew Dulphine Bling-Button Cardigan, $39.99 down from $69.50 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Vintage Cotton Sunburst Tank, $58 at jcrew.com: Or if you want to go the more neutral top route, I love this tank/cardigan pairing. I wouldn't do a tank without something on top because it's a dangerous slippy slope into exposed bra straps and equally un-classy things. This top is basic and white, but the sunburst detailing keeps it chic and interesting. The deep green cardigan warms it up with a flattering jewel tone, and the bling buttons just scream cute. A fitted cardigan like this is great for layering over a flowier tank to give it some straight.
J. Brand High Rise Skinny Jeans, $216 at shopbop.com, Frye Melissa Button Boots, $318 at shopbop.com: Jeans can be hard. I'd really go for a high-waisted pair here because they'll suck in any problem areas, and won't run you the risk of any accidental exposure like low-rise jeans. I like a dark wash and a slim cut because it's really flattering, and the slim cut makes it easier to tuck into boots. Boots are a great option because they're practical for the weather and they immediately make you look a little more dressed up with minimal effort.
Images all from shopbop.com.
I want so many things from Shopbop right now, but these two are really catching my eye.
Dolce Vita Hawk Lace Up Clog Booties with Shearling Cuff, $265 at shopbop.com: I'm really craving these sort of bootie/clog/mountain shoe combinations right now, especially ones with shearling lining that lace up the front. Like this pair! The high, thin heel keeps it all girly and sexy, the laces add a rugged twist, the shearling keeps it mildly practical, and the overall package would look fab with jeans and a jacket or a wintry dress and a sweater.
Twenty8Twelve Beaux Dress, $365 at shopbop.com: I love, love, love the jaunty silhouette of this dress. The skirt is so a-line and so full, it would make anyone into an hourglass bombshell. The square neckline draws the eye straight to your collarbone, and the deep back with zipper detail takes it from proper to slightly dangerous. This is a great holiday season dress because you can style it a ton of different ways for different parties: do a jewel-toned heel and a sparkly belt for a girlier look, big statement earrings and some big metallic platforms for an edgier look, etc.
Images from shopbop.com.
And by things that I want to buy for other people, I really mean things that I want to buy for myself. Victoria's Secret Tank & Yoga Set, $49.50 at victoriassecret.com: This is such a great 'lounging around in my room pretending to study for finals' outfit that one, is adorable, two, wouldn't shame you if you had to walk down to do laundry or grab a snack, and three, works equally well as separates. It comes a bunch of different colors, and I can say from personal experience that their yoga pants are fab AND actually great for doing yoga in.
LUSH Christmas Tweets gift set, $27.95 at lushusa.com: Lush has fab holiday gift sets. They're all holiday themed and come pre-wrapped in these adorable boxes. This one has Snowcake soap, Vanilla Fountain bath bomb, Smitten hand creme, and Lil Pud bath bomb. It's great for anyone who loves taking baths, and that soap will last forever.
LUSH Christmas Candy Box, $39.95 at lushusa.com: This gift set has Snow Fairy shower gel, Candy Cane bubble bar, Rockstar soap, Honey I Washed the Kids soap, Bubblegum lip scrub and Snow Fairy lip tint. This would be great for any girly girl, with all the pink and super-sweet scents (the honey soap literally smells like candy), and I love how well the products coordinate. Also, I'm dying to try a bubble bar--they're like concentrated bubble bath. Someone buy me this? Please?
Essie 2010 Winter Collection 6 Pc Cube, $25.95 at amazon.com: This is a great deal. Essie's usually run about $8, and here you get 6 full-sized bottles. So you're basically saving $20 and getting some fab colors. This includes Smoking Hot, a mauvey grey, Masquerade Belle, a vampy red jelly, Silken Cord, a fiery orange red, Going Incognito, a forest green, Hot Coco, which is exactly what it sounds like, and Luxedo, a very dark vampy purple.
Too Faced Pixie Perfect, $42 at sephora.com: I love holiday sets. This is such a steal. You get the adorable bag (so great for traveling), an eyeshadow quad with Velvet Revolver, Enchanted Forest, Totally Toasted, and Peach Fuzz, a Papa Don't Peach blush and Sun Bunny bronzer, Shadow Insurance primer, Glamour Gloss in Plush, and Lash Injection mascara. That's $110 of product for less than half of that price. Such a win.
Philosophy Share the Joy Set, $36 at sephora.com: Speaking of great holiday sets, this has matching shower gels and lip glosses in Candy Cane, Cinnamon Buns, Bubbly (champagne), and Peppermint Bark. I love this because you get to try a lot of the Philosophy scents for not a lot of money, and heck, even 4 lipglosses for $36 is a good deal. Through in the shower gels and you're making out like a bandit.Images from victoriassecret.com, lushusa.com, lushusa.com, amazon.com, sephora.com, sephora.com.
I love Anthropologie for presents. I know most of their stuff is pretty pricey, but there are some great affordable finds if you can scrounge around a bit in the store (am I the only one that gets distracted by the tubs of pretty drawer pulls?). Here are some fun holiday presents that won't break the bank.
Monogrammed Mug, $6 at anthropologie.com, Lipstick Queen Medieval, $20 at anthropologie.com: These cups make great gifts because they're sweet and personal, actually practical, and look like they cost a lot more than they actually do. I had one all last year until I shattered it (ahem), but they really do make great stocking stuffers. Or you could fill them with little gifts, like lip gloss, candies, etc and wrap it all in colored cellophane paper--adorable. This Lipstick Queen Medieval lippie has been haunting me. I want. It's a red, which terrifies me, but it goes on very sheer and gives you that just bitten look. Plus I'm kind of on a medieval kick right now, having just come off a medieval architecture research paper.
ToykoMilk Wrapped Soap, $11 at anthropologie.com, Illume Boulangerie Jar, $16 at anthropologie.com: ToykoMilk is fab. They have great packaging, and their products are top-notch with really creative scents. Yes, $11 is a lot for soap, but when the soap has notes of soft linden blossom, French lavender, honey, mimosa, and tea rose, you have to make some exceptions. This candle comes in Vanilla & Fig (nice and seasonal), Angel Food (for all you bakers), Sweet Vanilla & Cinnamon (OMG YUM), Apple Blossom (light and fresh), and Pineapple Ginger Cake (nom). The burn time is 40 hours, and the packaging is adorable. Buy this for people and they will think you are super swank and awesome and fancy.
Domino: The Book of Decorating, $32 at anthropologie.com, The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, $19.95 at anthropologie.com: If you don't know Domino, it was the best home decor magazine EVER. No joke. I have all the issues saved up at home. I may have teared up when I heard it was canceled. This book has some of their best shoots and ideas, and it will look chic on your bookcase to boot. I don't think this second one needs any explanation. Coco Chanel as a life coach? Yes, please.
Images from anthropologie.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.
This post was my roommate's idea. I asked her if there was anything she'd want to see me post on, and apparently the idea of matching nail polish to an outfit is very stressful. Our room is special, what can I say. But I got to thinking about it and it can be hard to decide what nail polish to wear with an outfit, especially if you're like me and you own like a million nail polishes. It's all about contrast, people. So, without further ado: The bright/printed outfit: Rebecca Taylor Strapless Dress, $163 at shopbop.com, Essie Mademoiselle: When you have a dress like this, where both the color and the print are doing all the talking, you don't want to make your nails fight with the dress. Clearly the dress will win. It's fricking pink tie-dye. What you want to do here is pick a basically neutral color that will complement the hues of the dress. Since the dress is so pink, I went with a pale pinky-nude. It looks very polished and chic, especially on short nails, and the pink goes well with the dress, but doesn't compete with it. That said, this isn't the only polish you could ever wear with this dress--you could do a light blue-grey, a pastel lavender, etc, etc.
The girly/white outfit: Madison Marcus Gilt V-Neck Dress with Belt, $305 at shopbop.com, OPI Lincoln Park After Dark: I really wanted this white dress to be girlier, but Shopbop failed me. Just imagine that it has ruffles or lace or something. White dresses themselves are very light and girly, and when you add in feminine detailing like ruching and the imaginary lace, you end up with something more Taylor Swift than modern and edgy. If you add a light, pretty polish on top of that, you start looking a little twee. Or like a cupcake. Here, I like to contrast the sweetness of the dress with a deep, vampy polish, and what's vampier than Lincoln Park After Dark? I wouldn't do shimmer here, just because shimmer itself is so girly, and we already have a lot of that going on.
And the edgy LBD: Veda Georgia Dress, $385 at shopbop.com, OPI Diva of Geneva: Last but not least, the classic dilemma: the LBD. I always want to liven up my LBD's with colorful accessories. Don't get me wrong, I love black, but too much black takes you into Taylor Momsen territory. My favorite polishes to do with black are jewel tones--they just look so rich together. I like Diva of Geneva for this because the pinkish-purple hue and the shimmer add a little punch and girliness to this edgy LBD, but it isn't so bright that it looks out of place against the dress.Images from shopbop.com, mandalzying.blogspot.com, shopbop.com, makeupandbeautyblog.com, shopbop.com, mbeautylounge.com.
I'd like to introduce something I like to call the perfume equation. It goes something like this.
Cute dress + skanktastic perfume = skanky outfit
Cute dress + tasteful perfume = chic outfit.
I see in on campus every weekend, and I'm looking at you, freshmen. Let me explain. I think that sometimes people underestimate the effect of perfume. Even though you can't see it, perfume plays a huge role in how your outfit is perceived. Let's take a cute dress that could go in either the chic direction or the skanky direction, such as this Elizabeth and James dress:
Now let's say the girl wearing this dress decides to wear, say, Fairy Dust by Paris Hilton.
Even though the dress is only mildy lingerie-inspired, an overly sweet, tacky scent like this pushes that girl's outfit into the cheap, skanktastic category.
Whereas, a perfume like Chanel's Coco Mademoiselle has a completely different effect.
With a slightly more sophisticated, less overwhelmingly sweet perfume, this dress gives off a totally different vibe. Instead of screaming slutty and "I'm trying way too hard," it says "yes, I am sexy, but I'm also elegant, complicated, and maybe a little bit mysterious." I know. It's a tough choice.
Image Sources:
Dress: net-a-porter.com.
Fairy Dust: beautyme.com.
Coco Mademoiselle: Tendance High-Tech
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.
Dear Versace Fembot dress,
You are like a fashion mullet. All business in the front (relatively) and party in the back. Your color palette is versatile but energetic, your zippers are reminiscent of a sexy exoskeleton, and your bondage back is a refreshing take on Herve Leger. There is only one problem: the $2000+ price tag standing between us. For now, dear dress, our love shall remain unrequited.
Love,Awkward ChicVersace Zip-Detail Wool-Blend Dress, $2,425 at net-a-porter.com.
Images from net-a-porter.com.
My dress came today! (for background on that, check out this post). Now, I got it off eBay in a 6 because I'm not one consistent size, and it's easier to fit the widest part of my body and then work from there. The problem I have is that I'm a size at the chest, a 2 at the waist, and a 6 at the hips. Boo. So this dress fit everywhere except the waist, and I had to whip out my roomie's sewing kit and work some magic. Aka hastily done/not so awesome sewing, but that's besides the point.
The colors in this picture came out so odd. My arm is yellow. What's up with that? Bad camera. Anyways, it's hard to see here but it does fit pretty well now. I really like it! It's very red and form-fitted for me, but I think it worked out well and I'll definitely get a lot of wear out of it.That's all, folks! Have a great Halloween weekend :)
