Ooh La La

Bonjour, mon amies! I have been internet-less for the past week in France. I can't complain though, because we've been staying in a beautiful French Villa in Provence. Now that we are at a hotel in Nimes, I have internet connection...aka time to start posting!

 This photo was taken on the patio of our villa. I was ready for a casual dinner in the small village of Sperecedes (you can walk from one end to the other in 10 minutes). The weather was perfect up in our little mountain village... a light weight chambray button down from J.Crew, white jeans, my new Lucky flats, and a vintage Coach purse of my mom's. I must say, my cute-yet-casual outfit was perfect for a dinner filled with great local wine, some ice cream... and my first cup of coffee!

The bracelet was a lovely gift from my dear friend Kristin... I'm not sure of the designer, but I know it's from Neiman Marcus (anything she gets is from NM). So, thanks friend :)

A Little Pink Pair

I found a little pink pair of shoes to wear as my cute-yet-comfy shoes around Europe. These leather moccasin flats by Lucky have already passed the test of walking through multiple airports on our way to Nice, France. I'm hoping they'll stay comfortable so that I don't have to be covered in Band-Aids like most of my trips (ouch). 

(while taking a picture, my brother decided that his new Nike's should be in the picture, too. So, here you go little brother...)

Leather Me Up

I have been drooling over leather shorts for almost a year now, and I found the ultimate pair I want to own by Vince. I even tried them on, and I have to say... they don't look too bad (actually I think they are amazing). So, now I just have to decide if I'm willing to spend a big penny on them... maybe I will make it my congratulatory present to myself for graduating and getting a job :)

Polka Dotty

Polka dots... For some reason I am drawn to everything with polka dots. I walked into Madewell today and realized everything I pulled had some sort of dotted pattern on it. Not sure why the sudden style choice, but I must say, I like it. Here are a few pieces from Madewell:

Silk Dotty Dress

Silk Dotty Tangent Tank

Silk Dotty Passenger Skirt 

(source: madewell.com)

Turning The Tassel

The time has finally come... I graduated from college!! So, while absent for a week... I was busy getting a diploma :) The weekend was filled with 3 generations of family, lots of celebrating, a few tears, and many smiles as I walked across the stage and was handed my diploma. Of course, my graduation dress was a big deal... I decided on a very summery, floral Lily Pulitzer dress and some nude pumps. Even though the lovely blue bag of a gown covered it for some of the day, I made sure I had a few moments to show off my Lily. 

Walking With The Animals

Hello New York City... Oh, how I have missed you. While walking from 88th and Madison to Times Square today, I was thankful I had some comfy shoes on... and of course they were leopard. Who knew Keds could be so trendy?? These animals kept me smiling as I walked and shopped the whole upper East side. Thank you, Keds.

These are from Journey's, but you can find a similar pair at zappos.com

kate spade simplicity

kate spade can never go wrong... beauty and simplicity at its finest. I am very picky about bangles, but I love these "Spade Hinge Bangles." I would start with the simple gold one and add the black & light pink later. They could easily be worn separately as a staple every day piece, or all together for something more fun.

A Little Sass

    

Finally, a pair of leather shorts I think I can actually invest in!! I know they are a fashion risk to some, but they are definitely necessary. I mean who doesn't want a little sass in their wardrobe?? IRO's leather shorts (above) have a touch of a femininity that sets them apart from the average edgy leather. The pleats, semi high waist, and wider leg make the leather more acceptable as an addition to my closet.

(asos.com)

Pretty in Pink

    

pretty in pink.

ASOS Curve Swing Dress with Double Layer

Printed Pants

I recently went shopping for a new pair of colored jeans and came upon this jem. These tribal print Joe's jeans are definitely a bold move for me... and I'm not quite sure I'm ready to make the move, yet. What do you think?? Could I pull off this tribal trend?? I'm leaning more toward yes...

Earthy-Chic Earrings

Sorry for the minor disappearance... job interviews and my last few weeks of school ever have been taking up most of my time. But don't fret, I am back with great finds.... starting with these earthy-chic coral and turquoise earrings!

We all know that the color combination is a must-have this season, and stones have also started popping up in the jewelry scene. So, what better than some

coral and turquoise stones earrings??

(shopbop.com)

Pop of Neon

The next thing appearing in my closet: a neon belt. I know, I know, I am behind on the times, because I should probably already own one. They add a great pop of color to any bland outfit! So here are a few of my options. Each one with a little flare... bow, skinny, leather.

J.Crew Patent Leather Skinny Bow

Marc by Marc Jacobs Python-Effect Neon

See by Chloe Fluro Pink & Brown

(source: jcrew.com, asos.com)

Ballet Flats

(source: jcrew.com)

Ballet flats continue to be a necessity in ever girl's shoe closet. These J. Crew flats include just about every bright color in the rainbow - even a few prints and a touch of neutrals. You could buy one for every spring & summer occasion!!

Full Circle

Anyone feel like twirling around in a fun sheer silk dress?? This ASOS Full Circle Shirt Dress is the perfect mix of work and play. The high collar and staple black color add a little sophistication to the flirty sheerness and flowy shape of the dress. So who wants to twirl with me?

(source:asos.com)

A Heel, A Sandal, and A Flat

Now that Spring has finally arrived, I have chosen my favorite springtime shoes to accessorize my lovely feet for the season. I always get really happy when I see brightly colored shoes... so hopefully you will enjoy these as much as I do... a heel, a sandal, and a flat.

Brian Atwood Colorblock Fluorescent Platform Pump

Prada Patent Rose Thong Sandal

Chloe Scallop-Edge Ballerina

(source: neimanmarcus.com)

Tribal Chic

A coral and turquoise tribal necklace... what could be more amazing??

(source: baublebar)

Bright Delight

We all know bright colors are in style this spring, and that applies to shorts, too! I saw Kelly Ripa wearing hot pink shorts on her morning show a few weeks ago, and I have been obsessing over finding a pair for myself. Well, I finally did!

Pair the bright color with a white blouse, a bright color belt, and a neutral sandal... and you are good to go for the day.

1. Alice + Olivia Cady Cuff Shorts

2. J. Crew Patent Leather Skinny Belt

3. Tory Burch Dalcin Flat Sandal

4. Equipment Signature Sleeveless Blouse

A Lilly Moment

SMU is hosting its First Annual Fashion Week right now, and as I was working the "fashion market" today, I couldn't keep my eyes off of the Lilly Pulitzer trunk show. I think of Lilly as a classic -- it will never go out of style. Sure, there are times when you would rather dress a little more trendy, but Lilly is always appropriate for any snappy casual event.... which got me thinking about graduation. Unfortunately, my time in college is quickly coming to an end, and although I would rather not think about the starchy, shapeless cap and gown I will be wearing, I don't mind pondering over the cute dress underneath. This is wear my friend Lilly comes in. The dress above is the Aleese dress, and I love the shape of it! It comes in about 5 different patterns and colors, but these are my top three. Any suggestions on which one I should pick for my bittersweet walk across the stage to get my diploma?

(source: LillyPulitzer.com)

Case Overload

Phone cases have become the "new thing" for designers, and I am slightly obsessed with them. Right now, I am currently using a chic leopard one (obviously), but I found a few others that may turn into my next purchase. Phone cases show personality and express style.... they are the latest accessory.

From left to right, here are the iPhone cases shown above:

J. Crew blue orange Paisley

Diane von Furstenburg Flower

Tory Burch red blue T

Marc by Marc Jacobs What a Spectacle

(source: jcrew.com, bloomingdales.com, shopbop.com)

Wish List: Cross Bracelet

Jennifer Zeuner

The latest addition to my wish list: a Jennifer Zeuner Horizontal Cross Bracelet in gold. I think this is the utmost chic simplicity. The thin gold chain with the long cross is beautiful. As you can tell from my last post, bracelets have become a new obsession of mine, and I think this one is gorgeous. The cross is big, but the chain is small -- so, they balance each other out to create an amazing piece that would look perfect on my tiny wrist :)

...maybe it could be a gift for graduation (which is sadly less than two months away)

(source: shopbop.com)

Bracelet Frenzy

Sorry for my week of non existence... my apologies. I was out of the country with no email access. But don't fret-- I'm back. While I was gone, I added a few bracelets to my collection, and I think I finally have a good combo going on my wrist. As you can tell, I'm really into the turqouise color this season, and I think that brown is the perfect neutral to compliment the bright pop of color. Here are the pieces that make up my wrist-full masterpiece:

Hermes Enamel Bracelet Brown

Accessory Scout ( a new company!) Turquoise

Target Aqua Wrap Around

My own creation -- handmade yarn bracelet

J. Crew Diamond String

Wish List: Rosemary Sandal

KORS Michael Kors

Rosemary Leather Sandal

Item #2 on my wish list is the Rosemary Leather Sandal by Michael Kors. I love this chestnut color, and the Romanesque style is perfect. The straps are placed just right and I can't imagine how it would look on my foot... probably amazing.

Favorite Find: The Signature Blouse

Equipment's Signature Blouse might possibly be my new favorite find. I have recently become obsessed with double front-pocket silk tops, and what could be better than a colorful double front-pocket blouse!? They come in amazing colors- my favorites are the ocean, hot pink, and pool blue. The tops can easily be dressed up for a night out, transformed into a classy piece for work, or worn casually with a pair of jeans or shorts... cute AND versatile!

(source: revolveclothing.com)

Ready To Swim

Swimwear has become much more trendy and fashionable lately. Here are four of my favorite swimsuit trends of the season. I'm not sure if I can pull of the whole retro look, but if you can... I envy you. Hopefully a fringe or ruffle will make it into my suitcase for spring break next week. Fingers crossed.

1. Ruffles : Shoshanna Ruffle Bandeau Bikini

2. Retro : Mara Hoffman Ladder High Waisted Bikini

3. Fringe : Tavik Fringe Bandeau Bikini

4. Pattern : DVF Deianria Bikini

(source: shopbop.com, neimanmarcus.com)

Slim and Active

Recently, I found a new secret to looking good while working out... SPANX! Who knew that this ingenious company made pieces you can wear on TOP of your undergarments?? Spanx Active is a line of work out clothes that gives your body a great shape. Now, maybe I'll start working out... maybe.

The pieces shown above:

Spanx Active - Ribbed Racerback in Black and Vivacious Pink

Spanx Active - Top Notch Cami

(source: zappos.com)

Wish List: La Mer Wrap Watch

'Wish List" is a new weekly post I will do be doing. These items are all pieces I must find a way to put in my closet. First on the list: this La Mer Collections Neon Simple Wrap Watch. It comes in so many great bright colors, and I think it is perfect for the season's trend.
(source: shopbop.com)

Sunglasses Style

These are (so far) my favorite sunglasses of the season. Obviously I'm liking the CatEye trend, just not when it's too drastic.
1. Roberto Cavalli Round Oversized Cable Sides Sunglasses
2. Ray-Ban Small Classic Clubmaster Sunglasse
3. Ray-Ban Oversized Cat Eye Sunglasses
4. kate spade new york Camel Tortoise Cat Eye Sunglasses
(click for direct links to the items)
(source:bloomingdales.com)

Lace Frenzy

Lace has made its way this season as a must-have in your closet. Whether you are going dressy or casual, lace is perfect for any occasion if you want to make your outfit a little more on the feminine side. You can find this dress at Bloomingdale's.

Chic In Pink

I loved Catt Sadler's look on E! News tonight. Her chic outfit was an amazing form fitting pink dress with a similar colored patent leather belt. I found few similar look that I thought I would share with all of you. A Single dress from Neiman Marcus paired with a J. Crew belt.

Oscar 2012 Best Dressed

Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab

Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Angelina Jolie in Versace

Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

A Touch of Tangerine

Add a bit of color to a simple outfit... and you get something amazing.
Here are a few ways to use the perfect tangerine accessory to make an outfit stand out.
Kate Spade purse
Forever 21 Blazer
J. Crew Coat

Black and White

(DVF, Rachel Zoe, Halston Heritage, Alice + Olivia)
(source: Neimanmarcus.com)

The Classic White Tee

Everyone has a classic white tee in their closet, but not everyone knows how to wear it. A white t-shirt can easily be dressed up... pair it with any of these items or something similar, and you have a great outfit for the day.
1. Haynes T Shirt
2. Classic Metallic Leather Ballet Flat Flat J.Crew

3. Gap Blue Skinny Jeans

(a personal favorite of mine that are in my closet)

4. Kate Spade Multicolor Crystal Earrings

5. Michael by Michael Kors Jet Set

Turquoise & Coral

Two colors that make a perfect pair this season: turquoise and coral. Whether you want to go with a turquoise base like this Milly maxi dress, or choose a coral base like this Trina Turk mini, pair it with the perfect complimentary color for a bright, springy look.

(source: bloomingdales, sachin + babi)

NYFW In Review: Marchesa

The time has come for the last of my favorites from New York Fashion Week... Marchesa. The designer used every lavish fabric imaginable... tulle, lace, feathers, embroidery, sheer... and it looks amazing.