Ramblings and Goings On

I have been a horrible blogger lately and for that I'm very sorry. Here's a a random glimpse at what I've been up to:

1. I travelled to Oregon to visit with family. While there, I scored this and this from the Gap - they're both amazing dresses and so worth the price (but beware, they run a little large and I ordered a size down).

2. Thanks to the Gap Friends and Family promotion, I became the proud owner of this Old Navy faux fur vest. It should arrive in a couple of days and I'll be sure to let you all know my review.

3. I'm attending the wedding of a close friend in a couple of weeks and was on the hunt for a very cheap dress to wear. My search led me to Forever 21 (duh, land of the cheap dresses) and I ended up with this. It fits like a glove and will look amazing once I steam it.

4. I'm so ready for Fall it's ridiculous. This past weekend the temperatures dipped down into the 60's (well, they did at night at least) and I was thrilled. I instantly became obsessed with thoughts of Pumpkin Spice Lattes, Knotts Scary Farm, pumpkin carving, baking all sorts of wintery treats, and (of course) buying my dogs the most adorable Halloween costumes I can find.

What have you all been up to?

P.S. I promise to get back to commenting on your blogs soon and also blogging more myself!

Thrifty Thursday: Forever 21

Forever 21 and I have long had a love-hate relationship. On shopping trips past I have found some wonderful items that I’ve even been able to transition into my work wardrobe. However, on other shopping trips, I’ve been overwhelmed immediately upon walking into the store by the neon colors, short shorts, and overly revealing club attire. After spending some time browsing the Forever 21 website, I have to say – I’m actually pleasantly surprised by what I found. Here are a few of my favorite finds (all under $50):

Ethnic Accented Dress. For only $29.80 this dress is a steal! With its fun print, this dress is perfect to end the Summer with but because of its coloring, can also be transitioned into fall with a sleek pair of black tights.

Fab Mini Posy Chiffon Top. The print and colors of this $13.50 top are very reminiscent of Rebecca Taylor. This top can easily be dressed up for work or a night out or dressed down for a day of shopping and beaching.

Jewel Embellished Tunic. This top is my absolute favorite and when I’m at Forever 21 this weekend I’ll be sure to look for it. Doesn’t the print and the bold emerald color remind you of something Diane von Furstenberg might do? For $28, this versatile top is a must have.

Bow Refinery Top. Bows are everywhere this Fall. For only $15.80 you can add this adorable bow tank to your wardrobe. How amazing would this top look paired with skinny jeans and a black blazer? Love!

Floral Woven Skirt. This year, I have fallen completely head over heels for florals. Paired with a basic white top, this skirt would really pop. I adore the electric blue background of this skirt and for only $16.90 I think I have to make it mine. Also, how cute would this skirt be paired with boots in the Fall?

Which item is your favorite?

Animal Instincts

Leopard prints have had a place in the fashion world for years. This year, however, they seem to be playing a bigger role than usual. In the past, I’ve largely avoided purchasing and wearing leopard prints or any animal prints for that matter. But this year, I think I’m ready to make a change. Adding leopard shoes, a blouse, a sweater, or even a purse is such a fun and unexpected way to turn an otherwise plain outfit into a totally chic ensemble. Below are a few leopard print beauties I’m hoping to add to my Fall and Winter wardrobe:

 

Tory Burch Reva Flats $225

 

Joie Joann Leopard Print Crinkle Georgette Top $88.99 (on sale)

 Diane von Furstenberg Cheetah Land Wrap Scarf $165

 Topshop Leopard Tassel Cross Body Bag $60

Diane von Furstenberg Safi Dress $262.50 (on sale)

What do you think about animal prints?

Trend of the Month: August

While studying for the Bar exam earlier this summer, I spent my days in leggings, oversized t-shirts (most often stolen from my boyfriend’s dresser drawer) and flip flops. This overly casual garb is a stark contrast to what I wore last summer – business casual attire and heels every single day. To be perfectly honest, I miss dressing up. I miss wearing pencil skirt and silk shells. I miss doing my hair and makeup daily. But most of all, I miss heels. I’m on the short side of the spectrum (just under 5’3) so I absolutely adore any shoes that give me a few extra inches. For a girl who hasn’t worn heels in a few months, wedges are the perfect way to ease back into my former stiletto style. Also, wedges are perfectly appropriate for these sweltering summer months. Here are a few of my favorite summer wedges:

Volatile ‘Physical’ Slingback Sandal $49.95

Jessica Simpson ‘Crepe’ Wedge Sandal $78.95

Sam Edelman ‘Katrice’ Wedge Sandal $158.95

Elizabeth and James ‘Halo’ Macrame Wedge Sandal $240

Which pair is your favorite? Are you a fan of wedges?

If I Had A Million Dollars…

I’ve been dreaming of owning a pair of Miu Miu shoes for years now. I love positively everything about this brand. From the jeweled toe flats to the bow-adorned patent leather pumps, I covet them all (seriously – all). My latest obsession is the Miu Miu Velvet Ballet Flat in Taupe. I love velvet for Fall and Winter (and in fact own a very adorable velvet blazer purchased from J Crew last year) and would die to own these velvet flats. The velvet initially drew my attention and sucked me in but the bow and subtle embellishment on the toe completely tipped me over the edge into absolute and total obsession mode. Now if only I could figure out a way to justify dropping $575 on a pair of flats…if you all have any ideas, let me know! And if you do, I’d like to add these, these and these to my “If I Had A Million Dollars” wish list as well!

What’s on your wish list?

Find It For Less

I’ve been completely obsessed with the the Jimmy Choo Glitter Ballet Flats since this past December. I own one amazing pair of Jimmy Choo shoes (these gold wedges that I purchased for my law school graduation) and they are the most comfortable shoes I own, no joke. My love of ballet flats (evidenced here and here) and Jimmy Choo makes these Glitter Ballet Flats the perfect shoe for me. However, being as I just graduated from law school and now owe enough in student loans to purchase a small home, the $365 price tag is a pretty severe barrier to me welcoming this perfect pair of shoes into my closet. So what do I do when I can’t afford something I really want (i.e. neeeeed)? I find it for less and buy buy buy!

Jimmy Choo ‘Wit’ Glitter Ballet Flats $365

Gap Glitter Ballet Flats $49.50

Which pair do you like best?

Bitten By Shark Week

I’ve been watching Shark Week every year since high school and this year is no exception. I’ve set my DVR to record almost more Shark Week shows than it can hold and I can’t wait to start watching. In honor of Shark Week, I present to you all an adorable tank top with a perfectly appropriate name:

Eight Sixty Striped Shark Bite Tank $55.

I love the unexpected cut of this aptly named “Shark Bite” tank (the wonky hem and racer back are almost making my mouth water) as well as the ever so chic black and white horizontal stripes. Here’s what I would pair it with:

J Brand Houlihan Cargo Pant $231

 

Jeffrey Campbell Snick Platform Sandal $124.95

Thrifty Thursday

I’ve talked a lot about accessorizing recently. In honor of my newfound resolution to add more jewelry and accessories to my outfits, all of today’s Thrifty Thursday finds are just that – jewelry and accessories! However, unlike other Thrifty Thursdays, all of today’s finds are under $30 (so really, how can you not purchase them?!).

Urban Outfitters Chandelier Earrings $9.99. These puppies are half off right now and come in three gorgeous colors (turquoise as pictured, green, and red). Long, bright earrings are the easiest way to accessorize an outfit. Wear these with a simple jersey dress, some gladiator sandals, and prepare to look polished.

Urban Outfitters Byzantine Ring $24. While adding earrings to an outfit creates a more polished look, topping the look off with a big cocktail ring really brings the look home. As I’ve mentioned before, I adore the black stone/gold metal look – it’s so sophisticated and goes with absolutely everything.

Gap Tribal Print Scarf $24.50. During my second year of law school, I went through a major scarf phase. I probably wore a different scarf every day of the week. Thanks to this phase, my closet is now brimming with lightweight Summer scarves as well as warmer ones for Fall and Winter. Adding a scarf to an otherwise simple outfit really spices up the ensemble and gives the outfit a little more flair and personality.

Topshop Large Plastic Sunglasses $30. I’ve been wearing oversized sunglasses since college and I’ll probably be wearing them for years to come. I love throwing on a big pair of shades on those days when I’m too lazy to wear makeup. No matter what I’m wearing, big sunglasses never fail to make me feel chic and put together.

Which is your favorite Thrifty Thursday find?

Fabulous and Faux

After spending hours watching reruns of The Rachel Zoe Project yesterday I’ve developed a new obsession for platform shoes, gold jewelry, and faux fur. In particular, I am now convinced that I need to own a faux fur vest. I live in Orange County, California so a faux fur vest would be the perfect piece to throw on over turtlenecks, t-shirts, and blouses during a crisp Fall or Winter day. Here are a few fabulous faux fur vests I discovered online (ranging from lowest in price to highest):

Rachel Zoe on QVC $79.80 (on sale)

BB Dakota $90

Sanctuary $137

Rebecca Taylor $395

What do you think about faux fur? Is it a look you would rock?

Orange You Glad

I love simple clothing. T-shirts, skinny jeans and jersey dresses have been my uniform lately. However, to give my outfits a little more spice, I love adding a bright pop of color in an unexpected way. One color I’ve been experiencing a growing fascination with is orange. Orange can be a tough color to wear – it’s a bright, harsh shade that’s very unforgiving when paired with certain skin tones. However, wearing just a touch of orange is a fabulous way to pay homage to Summer, which is quickly dwindling to an end. As excited as I am about Fall clothing and colors, wearing a bright Summer orange never fails to put me in the Summer spirit and remind me to live in the moment and enjoy the season we’re now in. Here are a few of my favorite orange pieces:

Tory Burch Tumbled Leather Reva Flats in Orange $195

Kendra Scott Carlone Earrings in Orange Sun $75

Topshop Pleat Long Sleeve Shift Dress in Ginger $90

Essie in Bright Tights $8

The best thing about orange? While it is a staple Summer color, it can also make an easy transition into Fall (orange + brown = a match made in color heaven). What’s your favorite summer color?

Workin’ It In Clogs

I’m usually the first person to embrace new trends. I love the excitement of wearing something that’s very “of the moment.” However, when this new clog trend emerged, I was a little hesitant to rush to my nearest Saks and purchase a pair these little wooden beauties. My main concern – how on earth could I make clogs work appropriate? If you’ve been reading my blog for the last couple of weeks you’ll know that I just recently took the Bar exam. This means that within a matter of months I’ll hopefully (knock on wood) be working as an attorney. While I love this clog trend and the idea of pairing these kitschy shoes with more classic pieces, I was initially at a loss as to how I would make clogs a part of my working wardrobe. Below are two different ways I might wear clogs to work:

1. Pants: Gap $49.50

2. Clogs: Diane Von Furstenberg $299

3. Top: Amanda Uprichard $167

The pairing of clogs with cropped pants or trousers is a fabulous way to remain work appropriate but still showcase your footwear. Also, if wearing clogs has you feeling a little more inhibited, adding a printed blouse is a fabulous way to take any unwanted attention off of your footwear.

1. Dress: Tucker $315

2. Clogs: DV Dolce Vita $89

3. Blazer: Elizabeth and James $395

Wearing clogs with a work appropriate dress is the easiest way, in my mind, to bring clogs into the workplace in a tasteful and appropriate way. If you still feel like you’re walking a fine line between office chic and office faux pas, throw on a blazer – adding a blazer to the mix gives the ensemble an increased sense of professionalism.

What do you think – would you wear clogs to the workplace?

Gems and Jewels

I’ve recently become interested in updating and expanding my jewelry collection. I’ve never been very adept at choosing accessories for my outfits and have largely relied on bright colors, fun patterns, and layering to spice up my wardrobe choices. Lately, however, I’ve been exposed to many new jewelry designers thanks to websites like Gilt, Hautelook and Rue La La*. Because of these wonderful websites, I’ve become a huge fan of Kendra Scott, Amrita Singh and Kevia to name a few. Here are a few “jewelry essentials” that I need to add to my jewelry collection:

Everyday Bracelet. I love jewelry that has a hidden meaning behind it so this bracelet by Gorjana (for only $36) fits the bill perfectly. I’m an astrology junkie and strongly believe that our signs play an important role in our lives. I also love the idea of getting this bracelet not in my sign, but in the sign of someone special in my life. This could be a husband or child for some or a boyfriend or significant other.

Basic Hoops. I adore basic gold hoops but think these ones by Melinda Maria ($70) with their subtle detailing and delicate pattern are absolutely delectable.

Bold Dangles. To me, the combination of black and gold is the epitome of elegance and sophistication. These Melinda Maria earrings ($265) offer the elegant look of the black/gold combination in a fresh and fun shape.

Gold Necklace. I’ve loved elephants for years. I love that they’re family animals and omens of good luck in so many countries. What better way to express my appreciation of these friendly giants than wearing one around my neck on a daily basis (and hey, a little extra good luck never hurt anyone)? At only $50, this necklace by Vanessa Mooney is both adorable and incredibly affordable.

What are your jewelry essentials?

* If you aren’t familiar with these websites you NEED to check them out immediately. They’re all sample sale websites which host daily sales featuring amazing designer deals. I’ve purchased Milly, Tibi, Theory, Delman, Kendra Scott and Elizabeth and James pieces on these sites at at least half off. In the right sidebar I’ve posted my personal invitation links – join the websites and enjoy!