Best Dressed

My top dress pick's for summer, that are perfect for almost any occasion!

Clockwise: Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Anthropologie, Anthropologie, Nordstrom, Asos, Missguided, Vici Collection, Nordstrom, Chicwish, Vici Collection

Chic Shoes to Take You From Valentines to Spring!

Counter-clockwise from top: Puma, Jeffery Campbell, Kristen Cavallari, Asos, Jeffery Campbell, Steve Madden, Naturalizer, Steve Madden, Nike, Christian Louboutin, Sam Edelman, Nike, Sam Edelman, Loeffler Randall, BCBG, Public Desire, Lola Shoetique, Nike

 As a girly-girl, I obviously love all the pink and red fashion and decor that comes with Valentine's Day, but when purchasing I always like to think of how to re-use a piece more than once. Since shoes are my thang, if I am treating myself this V-Day, I want something adorable that can transition right into spring and summer as well! Velvet is so in right now, but let's be honest: when those warm spring temps start to roll in, velvet may look a little out of season (except I couldn't pass on those kick-ass booties).

I love all the nudes this season, and I cannot wait to add more sneaks to my collection with that drool-worthy pair of huarache's 😍 

xo

Splurge vs. Save: Coachella Brunch Inspired Edition

Why hello there old friend, long time no share. Let me tell you, when you work a full time job, go to grad school, and workout with a personal trainer three nights a week, AND its crappy weather out: that is no bueno for blogging. 

Lucky are those bloggers that don't have a actual in-office job that can photograph three outfit changes a day or travel the world for their husbands jobs and take fab pictures, but guess what people, as the Campbell's commercial says, this is real, real life (in Cleveland for me at least). 

The good news however is now that the semester is winding down, the weather is getting warmer and it isn't pitch black out at 7 pm, that means I can start doing photo shoots again! yay! I have a very exciting but busy summer ahead with a lot of weddings, showers, parties, and even a blogger's fashion meet and greet, which I'm pretty pumped for so that means lots a great outfits. In the meantime, Coachella starts today and even though it may get a bad rap on social media as rich LA girls pretending to be desert nymphs for a weekend, my inner hippie loves Coachella (even though now that I think about it I really do hate the heat. and dusty wind. and crowds of annoying people). Even though it isn't practical to wear a white dress in the muddy/dusty desert, here is a look that be worn to those exclusive Coachella parties in a plush carpeted cabana, or at least, out to brunch here at home.  XO.

Splurge: Hat:Rage & Bone / Dress: Joie / Bag: Dolce & Gabbana / Wedges: Chloe / Neck Scarf: Nordstrom

Save: Hat: Nordstrom / Dress: Chicwish / Bag: Asos / Wedges: Marc Fisher LTD. / Bandana: Nordstrom 

Minimal Chic

I'm back! phew. It's been a busy month, and now that school is having spring break, I get a tiny one too. So I was scrolling through my notes on my IPhone today, and realized that I have a muy-largo list of blog posts I want to publish, ranging from fashion advice to health to food prepping. I really hope to bunker down one of these weekends and just do it! Of course, school is done in early May, so then I will have more time until summer session starts!

 

There are so many cute spring pieces coming out lately, and I am in full spring-purchasing mode. While I personally always gravitate towards the boho look in warmer weather, lately I cannot get over chic but minimal body-hugging pieces in neutral tones. These pieces can literally mix and match with so many items already in my closet and probably yours too. It's almost a mini-capsule wardrobe in a way, since these pieces alone can be mixed and matched with each other. And you know me, I'm a shoe girl, and will take new shoes any day over a bag or jewelry so while I am still loving the lace-up's, I also can't take my eyes off of sultry, vampy, strappy soles. Plus whenever I wear them, I always get the same reaction out of my mom, "where's your whip?" Mom, please.

 

 

Having a moment...

 

Clockwise from left: Journelle, Free People, Isabel Marant, Love & Lemons, Agent Provocateur, Asos, Agent Provocateur, Victoria's Secret.

I cant get over this lace perfection! I'm not one for corny lingerie, but there is something so powerful about a sleek and sexy little layer of black lace peeking out from under your outfit. If you're brave, throw on a tight skirt and button down shirt and leave the top unbuttoned to showcase your gorgeous layers.

 

Want more? Victoria's Secret has a new lace collection just in time for Valentines day, and check out this amazing money-saving DIY from A Pair and a Spare Blog, to make you're very own lace bralette, here.

 

xo

Metallics, Faux Fur, Leather, Ruffles and Fringe, Oh My!

 

 

Look 1: Nasty Gal // Look 2: Top: Chicwish, Pants: Nordstrom // Look 3: Faux Fur: Forever 21, Jumpsuit, Nordstrom // Look 4: Banana Republic, Shoes: Asos // Look 5: Zara

I love sequins. I love them so much, I usually try to find ways to incorporate them into looks all year round for a subtle glam. For New Years, however, I feel it is a perfect night to hit refresh.

Above, I posted a couple non-sequin party looks for New Years Eve, no matter how you celebrate. Don't be afraid to rock fringe, feathers, metallic, lace, faux leather and fur and bedazzled accessories. This winter (if you can call it that, I am loving this California winter in Cleveland!) I'm really feeling the moody, dark, romantic glamour with lace midi dresses with ribbon chokers; luxurious, royal baroque fabrics in a current fashion-forward cut (any Reign watcher's out there? Nasty Gal is rocking the royal dress and crown look), estate-sale looking vintage earrings, and party shoes that are embellished with furry poufs and gems (Asos has a great collection).

 

This NYE, I plan on rocking a second-skin lace slip dress with a faux-fur jacket and killer heels. Hopefully these looks have inspired some other party appropriate inspirations for choosing your NYE outfit. Start 2016 with a fresh look- mini, skin-tight sequin dresses are tired : )

 

xo

How to Kimono!

Let me show you three ways I styled my kimono for three different occasions: play, work, relaxation:

Kimono: H&M // Dress: Nordstrom // Clutch: DSW //Heels: Go Jane // Bangle/Earrings: Swarovski

Bag: Coach // Open Toe Booties: Lulu's // Top: Nordstrom // Pants: Levi's

 

Fedora: Old Navy// Top: Splendid (Nordstrom) // Shorts: Bar III (Macy's) // Sneakers: Old Navy // IPhone Case: Kate Spade

Ahh the tricky, trendy kimono. Part lightweight robe/duster, part sheer cardigan duo is a trend that has been hot for a couple years now, and it is definitely a piece that can be awkward to style if you don’t think of ways to reinvent it.  The most frequent styling of the kimono is bohemian of course. Google search any image of Coachella for example, and you will find endless hippie-desert-chic cool girls wearing fringed, lace, floral, etc. styles. I bought mine two years ago at H&M, and since I wasn’t sure how long this fad would be around for, I chose a medium length, not too billowy of a style, made of a sleek chiffon material in a dark print that could be universally styled. I’m happy I chose that piece back then, and still find new ways to wear it today. Why do I personally like this trend? Well I have never really been a fan of cardigans. I collect jackets of all types and other toppers, so for spring/summer/fall, I like the kimono as a cute cover to add some zest to an outfit. Below, I featured mine three different ways, none of which are bohemian. Trust me, you can make your kimono work for a classy going out look, a switch-up on the old blazer for work, or paired with a casual outfit instead of a denim jacket. Below are some other fashionable options, all available at Asos online.

Kimono with tab detail

 

Lightweight Aztec Kimono

 

Olive Green Waterfall kimono