Easy Peasy Pieces

The goods:
• eyelet dress and wrap top from Old Navy
• sandals from Forever21
• vintage Omega watch and rhinestone bracelet
• bangles from Forever21, Banana Republic, Lori's
• necklaces from flea market, UO, Stitch

Whenever I'm rushing out the door or just can't decide what to wear, and easy fix is grabbing some black and white pieces.  This classic combo never clashes, always looks clean and crisp, and creates a clean canvas for accessories. An easy way to pack for a short trip? Grab separates in these two basic colors for easy mixing and matching and accent with bright jewels, shoes, or a handbag.

Second Time Around

The goods:
• dress, Laundry By Shelli Segal
• denim shirt from Banana Republic
• vintage clutch
• bracelets from J.Crew, Banana Republic, vintage shop
• earrings by La Vie

While rummaging through old clothes over the weekend, I came across a number of formal frocks my sisters and I used to don to high school homecoming dances, prom, graduations, most of which still fit, all of which went out, and have since come back into style. This long navy dress was likely worn with metallic heels, a matching evening bag and an up-do to one of our many dances. Today, it gets a make-under with these beaded sandals and this denim top. I knew there was a reason I never toss anything out! (Though the long, electric blue silk skirt I wore to prom could be a challenge to style).

Around the World

Ever since Steve and I booked our honeymoon, going on vacation is all we can think about! It took us quite a while to decide on a destination – I mean, we could go anywhere on Earth! – but we finally decided on French Polynesia (staying in Tahiti, Bora Bora, and Moorea – one of our resorts is pictured above). While perusing travel sites and magazines for the prettiest palm trees or laziest lanais, I came across some locales that seem like dreams come true ... and are definitely on my short list now ...

The Greek Islands – This has long been on my list of places to visit. The white washed buildings and blue rooftops make this place look like a dream.



Paratay, Brazil –  I'm not ashamed to admit that I only found this amazing spot after seeing it in the Twilight movie (that island where Bella and Edward honeymoon). Incredible rental houses like that in the film do exist, and not all of them cost an arm and a leg (but definitely take your breath away).



Banff, Alberta, Canada – My parents honeymooned in Banff, and every photo I see looks incredibly majestic. I would love to stay in the Fairmont Chateau on Lake Louise.


Provence – Lavender fields + France equals what can only be described as Heaven.



Bali –  Indonesia seems like one of the most exotic places you can visit. Friends who have traveled there said it is very affordable once you arrive, and obviously their favorite spot they've been to yet.



Tuscany –  I imagine sitting on a terrace like this in Italy, sipping delicious wine and taking in the vistas must be one of the most relaxing places on Earth. It's up there on my list of places to travel!

photos from Pinterest

Goldilocks

The goods:
• blouse from Necessary Clothing NY
• denim from Forever21
• wedges from Nine West
• vintage chainlink bracelet
• bangles from Forever21
• hair clip from H&M

I just can't get enough sparkle lately. The feminine accessories are a departure from my go-to's of last season of leather and studded pieces, but I can't seem to resist the allure of glittering gems whenever I pass them. Having a pretty good stock of bangles and earrings going, I came across a plethora of gilded hair goods at H&M yesterday. Without going too overboard in one trip, I picked up some golden combs and this rose gold clip. I mean, if I've maxed out my wrists, neck and ears, it's time I move onto hair accessories! (I'll be heading back for the delicate rose gold bobbies and the array of feminine flower clips).

Summer Formal

The goods:
• top from French Connection
• skirt from Urban Outfitters
• clutch from Forever21
• wedges by Franco Sarto
• bangle from Barneys
• wrap watch by La Mer
• vintage cocktail ring and earrings

My work environment is pretty casual, but I like to hint at business attire every now and then. This top faintly reminds me of a tuxedo shirt, and paired with this black maxi skirt, suggests a slightly dressed up, warm weather ensemble. To break up my black and white wear, I added a pop of pink with this $8 clutch from Forever21. This little bag makes it's way with me almost everywhere I go, carrying my make up on long weekends away and as a fully functional purse with interior credit card slots and pockets. Now, if only it could fit a pair of sexy heels, I could take this look straight to a nice formal affair.

Grace Loves Lace

Our wedding is quickly approaching and we have all of the big stuff nailed down. I long ago fell in love with and purchased my dress, but still bask in the bridal beauty of gowns I come across. Grace Loves Lace is an Australian line of wedding dresses that embodies the romantic bride. Beautiful and delicate, these lace and silk creations (and the lovely models who don them) look like they sauntered right out of an Instagram photo. They also carry bridesmaids dresses, lingerie, and other lovely loot for the wedding day. 

It's all just so pretty ... I have a feeling I will be admiring beautiful bridal goods long after I say "I do"

See more of the bridal beauty here

Pep in My Step

The goods:
• peplum top from Theory outlet
• pants from Anthropologie
• wedges from Nine West
• bangles from Barneys, Forever21
• turquoise/silver cuff from Forever21

Dreary mornings call for a little added pep! I was hesitant to try this style, but spotted this cute blouse on sale and decided to give it a go. The ruffle accentuates the natural waist and the crisp pleats flatter instead of throw me off of proportion ... I'm sold!

Side of Glitter

The goods:
• denim shirt from Banana Republic
• skirt from Forever21
• sandals by Luca Stefani
• clutch from Aldo
• vintage Omega watch and rhinestone bracelet
• bangles from Lori's

It may be residual glitz-overload from my work trip in Vegas last week, but I felt my look could use some sparkle. I scored this glittered rose gold clutch at Aldo over the weekend for a mere $12! Adding that, these beaded sandals, some gold and vintage rhinestones, and my black and denim ensemble goes from dark basics to a sparkly summer look.

Summer Essentials: Beach Basics

Finally, to wrap up summer essentials, the extras. Heading out for a day at the beach requires only a small stash of staples, just enough to keep you protected and refreshed for your relaxing day.

The beachy goods, from top right:
1. Jergens SPF 20 daily moisturizer and tanner – $8.50, available on drugstore.com
2. Perrier grapefruit – available at your grocer
3. Conde Nast beach towel – $39.99, available at Bloomingdales
4. Clarins SPF 30 stick to glide on lips/face/body – $26, available at Sephora
5. chevron canvas beach bag – $29.99, available at Z Gallerie
6. woven southwest tote – $32.80, available at Forever21

Summer Essentials: Sun Hats

There are so many reasons to rock a sun hat – first, safety – I love a healthy glow in the summer, but I'm also becoming increasingly cognizant of aging (in that, I'd rather not). Also, protect your hair color (authentic or otherwise) from bleaching out too much in the sun. And, a cute cover that shields my face from wrinkles? Yes, please! Finally, the lovely mix of sunscreen, sweat and humidity can leave locks less than lustrous, so why not cover it right up with one of these pieces? From the floppy variety, to crisp, short brimmed, to a tress-taming headband, these goods are a no-brainer summer staple ...

The easy breezy goods, from top right:
1. woven fedora – $58, available at Nordstrom
2. two-toned floppy sun hat – $48, available at Ann Taylor
3. classic panama hat – $58, available at J.Crew
4. red striped sun hat – $20, available Urban Outfitters
5. geometric floppy hat – $48, available at Nordstrom
6. striped headband – $70, available on zappos.com

Summer Essentials: Beach Basics

While I'm all about showing off these cute suits on the beach or poolside ... I can't resist a carefree coverup with no-frills, summer footwear. These pieces are perfect for getting to and from your lounger, but also easy breezy for throwing on with a pair of cut offs for an impromptu lunch or strolling a street fair. And save the fancy footwear for later, these three basics (an espadrille, neutral wedge and pop of color flip flop) will get you around on warm summer days ...

The easy breezy goods, from top right:
1. crisscross romper – $13.50, available at Forever21
2. classic espadrille – $48, available on chanceco.com
3. wrap cover dress – $39.50, available on victoriassecret.com
4. Kors slingback wedge – $97.50, available on shopbop.com
5. crochet cover dress – $130, available on nastygal.com
6. indigo ikat tunic – $248, available on emersonfry.com
7. leather bow flip flop –  $19.88, available on anntaylor.com
8. sheer shirt cover dress – $138.60, available on shopbop.com

Summer Essentials: Sweet Sunnies

A serious summer staple is a pair (or three!) of sweet shades. I have my classic go-to's, but these beauts below are enough to inspire frequent work breaks or extra long lunches al fresco ...

The shady goods, from top right:
1. paisley print cat eye – $5.80, available at Forever21
2. Ray-Ban clubmaster – $150, available on urbanoutfitters.com
3. D&G-inspired floral sunglasses – around $5, click the link for the DIY tutorial!
4. peach wayfarer – $5.80, available at Forever21
5. retro rounds – $16, available on urbanoutfitters.com
6. Kate Spade Dominia sunglasses – $128, available on katespade.com

Summer Essentials: Super Suit

I'm traveling all this week (I wish it was a summer vacation, but it's just a work trip). Since summer is reaching the half way point, I thought I would share some warm weather essentials, perfect for keeping cool on hot weekend getaways, or just bopping around town.

To start things off, I've rounded up some stellar swimwear. Whether looking for an itty bitty bikini, or a flattering (forgiving!) one-piece, all are perfect poolside ensembles ...

The swimwear goods, from top right:
1. sailboat twist top bikini – top, $52 (bottom, $46), available at J.Crew
2. red rope print halter bikini – top, $10 (bottom, $10), available at Old Navy
3. retro nautical halter – $61.50, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
4. polka dot bikini – bottom, $27.75, available at Saks Fifth Avenue
5. pastel tiger print halter – $105, available at Urban Outfitters
6. cream scalloped one-piece – $163.12, available at Saks Fifth Avenue

Say Oui to the Weekend

Tomorrow is Bastille Day – a fine excuse to do, wear, or drink something French! Perhaps I'll don some stripes tomorrow while Steve and I check out wedding rings (oh la la!) and I'll definitely grab a glass of le bubbles afterward.

Some fun French links ...
• Head to the Chicago French Market for live performances and free french bubbly tasting!

• Snag a print of the french bombshell, Brigitte Bardot, for some sultry inspiration.

• Order a big box of french macarons to share with friends (on second thought, tell no one and save them all for yourself).

• I love my french striped shirt so much, it's nearly tearing at the seams. It's a great go-to on weekends, paired with shorts/jeans/skirts in nearly any shade. Can't go wrong with a classic boatneck cut like this one.

• And 10 rules on how to be Parisienne.

Bon week-end!

photo from Little Brown Pen

Play All Day Pieces

The goods:
• tank and denim from Forever21
• belt from J.Crew
• wedges from Nine West
• bangles from Forever21, Banana Republic, J.Crew, vintage

I mentioned yesterday that I believe accessories can take even a tank and jeans from plain to polished. By adding some sparkle with this studded belt and wrists of rhinestone and metallic bracelets, these neutral pieces can take me from work to Friday evening events with ease. Effortless but chic wedges like these are comfortable enough to last all day, but give the same leg-lengthening effect of a high-heel. Now I just have to get through the work day before I can take this outfit out for some post-work fun!

Rosy Glow

The goods:
• top from Necessary Clothing
• skirt from BCBG
• espadrilles by Andre Assous
• bracelets from Valentina Winnetka and Lori's
• earrings from Forever21

Remember these earrings I suggested yesterday as statement accessories? Well, today I added them as a sparkly pop to my neutral outfit of a breezy top and simple skirt. The warm, rosy pieces glisten, but aren't so bold that they will distract anyone I'm talking to. Bright chandelier earrings can make even a tank and jeans a sophisticated look, so until you can afford some stunners like these, or these, snag the ones I'm wearing at Forever21 for a mere $6.80.