black & white

top // necklace // pouch // bracelet // heels // sunglasses // clutch

must have flats

I am a flat connoisseur — really, I am. My shoe collection is about two thirds flats one third heels and a few pairs of boots too! My boyfriend is only one and a half inches taller than me (that half inch is important!) and I feel awkward walking next to him in a pair of four-inchers so mostly I just gravitate towards a pair of flats and plus, they're more comfortable for long days at work!

clockwise: black strap // blue & rose gold // hearts // tan // pink // black & white

I am not one to choose a pair of typical shoes. I do not own a pair of nude flats or plain black, it needs some character since you're compromising on the height. Choose a pair with a little versatility, like my very favorite pair of flats ever, the Frye Regina Studded flats in brown. They are neutral and can be an edgy touch to a feminine outfit. 

Even though a pair of shoes only goes with one or two outfits in your closet, if you love them — buy them! It will inspire new ideas or your next shopping trip you'll revolve outfits around the new shoes. Like the Alice and Olivia heart flats, wear them with a plain grey sweater (save or splurge) or a solid-color lace dress (here) — just a little whimsical touch! 

spring neutrals

While Snowmageden is still lingering, spring is approaching — sort of, and while
neutrals are perfect for fall, they are easy to pair with spring brights.
Here are a few picks to pair with your flowery

ensambles and bright accessories. 

tee // bracelet // necklace // tote // sweatshirt // skirt // loafers // boots // horse tote // wallet 

valentines fun

tee // bracelet // heart earrings // red sweater // flats // card // lip treatment // be mine notes

love hoodie // bonjour bag // perfume // heart sweater // watch // lip scrub // sequin clutch

elegant spring

With the polar votex in full swing, yet again, I am beyond ready for some spring 

weather — or maybe just temperatures above freezing — so spring style, here I come!

I am finding this grape color popping up all sorts of places and love the mix of 

rhinestones and pewters. It is a great "pop" color and is a perfect hue for 

transitioning into spring. 

A black maxi skirt is a must in everyones closet and this Equipment leopard tee is 

a perfect combination. Dress it up with these fun heels or dress it down with

 these pewter booties. Not to mention the beautiful handmade handbag by 

Glenda Gies — an ultimate accessory for the springtime splurge! 

1. top // 2. heels // 3. skirt // 4. handbag // 5. booties // 6. earrings

glamorous new year

Start the new year off with a little bit of sparkle and a tid bit of glitz.

Metallics, sequins and gilded mugs are fun ways to accessorize your home,

your outfit and your personality for the new year. These Tory Burch boots

were love at first sight and I am thinking seriously about splurging on these 

sparkling gems to spice up an all black or all white outfit. 

1. dress // 2. clutch // 3. top // 4. mugs // 5. boots // 6. earrings

Have fun in the new year — fashionably. Test the waters with these

five fashion risks for 2014. 

1. pair black and brown — together

2. wear a lace dress with a leather jacket

3. pair 3 random colors in one outfit

4. wear a tea length skirt with oxfords

5. wear all white — before memorial day!

Recently, I have been stuck on wearing monochromatic outfits with a standout 

piece. "All black everything" is definitely a favorite of mine — a simple black

blouse, black jeans, black boots and this bright pink Gap jacket would certainly

be a fun way to add some color. Different shades of grey paired with a silver

clutch and rhinestone statement necklace for a night out. Have some fun in

the new year with fun colors and sparkly accessories! 

classy rocking

Orla Kiely is one of my favorite designers, encompassing classy and '60s fashion 

with fun and on-trend patterns with they're own unique, whimsical and classy take.

This dress with a flattering waistline is absolutely perfect for date night and transform

perfect to nighttime fun with a moto jacket and these absolutely must have Zara flats.

1. dress // 2. h&m jacket (similar here) // 3. flats 

Extra Special Holiday Frock

While, of course, the holidays are a time to splurge — maybe your budget 

is running thin while you play Santa among your friends. But remember you can 

always look fabulous without spending the extra $$ (cha-ching!). 

1. Ted Baker  // 2. Haute Hippie // 3. Parker  // 4. Sabine // 5. Sabine  // 6. Sabine 

Piperlime is one of my favorite places to find steals, deals and splurges of

all sorts. I am really loving this new '20s trend of fringe and the art-deco look.

Lace seems to repeatedly stay in style and I love how this Ted Baker dress

strays from the normal lace. 

Lace, fringe and metallic can each go a long way — but keep it minimal.

Don't pair a lace dress with lace heels — do pair a lace dress with a solid

color (colors of the season: emerald and oxblood/wine) heel. 

A little bit of a trend can always be overdone and can go a long way with 

just one piece. And you can never go wrong with a pair of nude pumps

if you just can't figure out what to pair with your trendy number. 

Preppy Moto Trend

I have been coveting this motorcycle trend ever so dearly because I am a rockstar-at-heart.

But really, these motorcycle jackets, boots and pants are fabulous and I love it! 

These lovely, bright jackets are perfect to add some color to this everywhere-we-look

moto trend. Of course, I love the black leather moto jackets, but these gems are a 

great little spin and an affordable price to create your fall wardrobe with items

that may or may not be trending next year (but I would keep these lovely

jackets for Spring!).

These jackets are perfect to spice up a plain t-shirt and jeans kind of look

or dress it up with a little scarf and some sparkly jewelry. 

1. Jacket

Gap currently has a 40% off sale as well as their new Gap cash program 

(spend $50, you earn $25 to redeem).

Monogram It

1. Necklace || 2. Necklace || 3. Necklace || 4. Earrings || 5. Bracelet || 6. Bracelet || 7. Bracelet 

Splurge & Save Sunday: Booties

Splurge || Save || Save

Fall Shoes

1. flats / 2. heels / 3. boots / 4. booties / 5. loafers

Girly Musts

1. Phone Case || 2. Lip Treatment || 3. Watch || 4. Earrings || 5. Hand Cream || 6. Clutch

Fall Essentials

Black is always a safe color when choosing items that will last longer than one 

season. My rule of thumb is to keep fall clothing neutral colors and accessorize with

the seasons trending colors. The oxblood and emerald trend works well incorporated in 

statement necklaces and bags paired with tan and cream tops and jeans.

Fall is a season filled with cozy sweaters, comfy boots and simple outfits and 

these are my favorite finds that fit the criteria — and then some! 

I have been eyeing this Anthropologie dress for a while with its whimsical zebra motif 

and a great contrast of color paired with something bright. Throw on a black blazer or stay 

on trend with a moto jacket and simple heels for a less-than-typical wedding outfit. 

1. jacket / 2. bag / 3. necklace / 4. dress / 5. earrings / 6. scarf / 7. pullover / 8. shoes

Halloween

1. Frye Bag / 2. Earrings / 3. Spooky Shirt / 4. Skeleton Shirt / 5. Frye Boots / 6. Bracelet 

1. Clutch / 2. Socks / 3. Scarf / 4. Loafers / 5. Ring / 6. Greeting Card

Cobalt Blue

I am loving these fun little accessories -- whether for your home or your feet, 

cobalt blue is such a fun color for accessorizing! 

Alex & Ani / Juliska Pitcher / Tory Burch Bag / Frye Flats / Anthropologie Shower Curtain

Edgy Fall Leather

Sanctuary Jacket (sim. here) / Sam Edelman 'Darla' / House of Harlow Necklace / Clare Vivier Clutch

Leather is so in this fall and playing with different looks has never been more fun.

We were introduced to the military jacket with leather (or vegan leather) sleeves last

fall and it's back for another go-round. I am loving how Julianne Huff has paired an

elegant lace top and classy suede booties--a mix of classic and edgy. Or take Jessica 

Alba's dressed down and casual look with leggings and a pair of combat boots. 

Moto Chic

Blouse / Shorts /  Studded Flats / Studded Watch / Crossbody Bag

Chic black and gold studs are a fantastic way to funk-ify your outfit. Look great

with a leather crossbody saddle bag and a printed blouse with fun flats and a wrap

watch. Your everyday black chino shorts can be dressed up with this outfit or dressed

down with a white tshirt and studded flats just to run errands or for a day at the park. I

love this look for both casual and dressy. This Equipment motorcycle blouse has flown

off the shelves and is a rarity if you find. And if you do, you better snatch it up quick! 

Black shorts are a summer essential! They can be worn with a printed blouse and a 

bright clutch for a pop-of-color, pair the shorts with a simple white blouse and tuck in

for a classier look and a simple black clutch with minimal details, or just a white t-shirt 

with a khaki cardigan and neutral colored flats for a much more casual farmer's market

Sunday type of look. Of course, my favorite look, a blazer can always be added for a

simple dinner or workplace look with a bright pair of heels for a little bit of color. Don't

be afraid of black-on-black-on-black with a pretty statement necklace to break up the 

all-black. A slicked back ponytail and simple stud earrings is just about all you need to

top off such a simple look.

Really Red

Watch / Sunglasses / Flats / Satchel / Duffel Bag / Earrings

Colors are fun to play around with and everyone should own something red.
Adding pops of color is one of my favorite fashion trends and red is the perfect color
to make a statement. Classically, red is paired with black and leopard prints, but to
 bust the status quo, pair with floral prints and a pair of leopard heels for a 'wow' look.
If you are trying to dress up a casual outfit, throw on a red scarf, sunglasses, or earrings
and a generous application of red lip color--the ultimate attention-grabber. Keep it classy
in a professional setting, red has a sexy stigma tied to it's name--no red undergarments
with see thru clothing.

Music Festival Fashion

Joie Moccasins / Alex & Ani Spikes / Alex & Ani Live Music / Lauren Moffatt Dress

As a music festival junkie, I am always looking for unique items that will

last the full day. Since I am not too keen on the crop tops and frayed shorts, I

stay on the look  out for comfortable and flowy dresses that I will be content

wearing for an entire day outdoors. Cream  tops or dresses are never a bad

find--they go with absolutely everything  and can be dressed up with a black

blazer for days you are not rocking out to your favorite band.

Festival Fashion Criteria:

never black or navy

no flip-flops or heels

no large bags

no heavy jewelry

nothing tight and clingy

sunglasses are a must

and always bring a beach towel. 

I wish someone told me each of those things before venturing out on a hot day 

in the middle of a Chicago park at Lollapalooza--you will thank me later. 

With occasional muddy conditions and lots of walking, a 

pair of short Frye boots or these adorable Joie Moccasins (remember, no heels) are 

ideal choices and certainly comfy . A lightweight crossbody bag that fits the essentials 

is all you need. Lugging around a suitcase is the last thing you want to be doing in the 

scorching summer heat and the same goes with jewelry. 

A couple of Alex & Ani bangles stacked with your festival wristband is just 

right and not enough to drive you crazy. 

I found this fantastically feminine Lauren Moffatt Dress at a local boutique for 

a steal ($75 originally $420) and meets each of my music festival specifications--and 

then some! If you are in love with the dress as much as I am, it is unfortunately sold 

out, however I have seen it on eBay a few times, so keep an eye out. 

Anthropologie has a similar dress here.