Everyday Jewelry

Fine jewelry is something fairly new to me. I got into it when shopping for my engagement and wedding rings and was immediately hooked. I love the idea of jewelry that you can live with; wash your hands with it on, sleep, shower, and exercise with it on. It's a constant accessory and becomes so much more personal that way. It also becomes something you don't have to think about. For someone who spends about 15 minutes from the shower to the door, that's everything. 

Finding LA jewelry designer Vrai & Oro has been key in allowing me to gradually upgrade my jewelry wardrobe. They offer classic, well made designs without the markups. From rings to earrings to diamond necklaces, there's something for every occasion. My current favorite are their skinny stacking rings. At $50 each, it's a great go-to gift for people who don't know what to get me. I just can't get enough of them! 

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I switched out my tiny gold studs for these mini hoops a few months ago and I'm still obsessed. They add the perfect amount of sparkle and are completely weightless. 

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This sweet initial pinky ring is the latest addition to my collection. It's the perfect personal gift for a friend or for yourself. 

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Jacket: Rag & Bone; Sweatshirt: Brandy Melville (similar here); Jeans: Current/Elliott; Sneakers: Converse (similar here); Glasses: Celine; Necklace: Maria Pascual

 

 

Last Days of Gingham

Summer is officially winding down and I'm finding myself scrambling to get onemorewear out of my favorites. I picked up this skirt last week on sale at Asos and have been trying to wear it as much as humanly possible before I have to pack it away until next year. 

Gingham is one of those patterns that just screams high summer to me, so come September it will be the first to go. But swapping a white blouse and espadrilles for a black tee and sandals makes it ever so slightly more transitional.  

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Skirt- Asos; Tee- Brandy Melville (similar here and here); Sunglasses- Raen (similar); Sandals- Madewell (similar here)

Candy Stripes

Had to share this fabulous dress that checks all of my warm weather boxes- linen, stripes, off the shoulder, ruffle. Oh, and it's still full price on Shopbop and Nordstrom. But don't worry I found it for $29 on Lulus. AND if you sign up for emails it's an extra 10% off. You're welcome! 

Linen

I've been a huge fan of LA brand Reformation since the label launched in 2012. Their easy, feminine pieces are classic and timeless, while still managing to look completely "right now." But let's be real, not everyone can afford the $200+ price tag.

But other retailers are taking notice. Natural materials (think linen and cotton blends) have been taking over along with organic-looking colors and stripes. 

 I will always love embroidery and boho prints, but there's also something appealing about throwing something on without having to think in 90 degree heat and looking like you just strolled in off the Riviera. 

Hint: just add espadrilles and a handmade accessory from previous 2 posts! 

Jetset Diaries "Haven" dress- $69 (was $169)

Jetset Diaries "Haven" dress- $69 (was $169)

Buy Now, Wear Now

When H&M's sales are good, they're good. There's a lot of summer clearance in the mix, so if you're like me and completely over summer, you won't be interested in most of it.  But there are a few fall gems that will easily mix into your transitional wardrobe. 
 

H&M Trend silk blouse- $19.99 (was $59.99)Love the dark 70's YSL vibe here. Such a cool take on boho for fall. 

H&M Trend silk blouse- $19.99 (was $59.99)

Love the dark 70's YSL vibe here. Such a cool take on boho for fall. 



H&M Trend viscose blouse- $34.99 (was $59.99)Another great boho top you'll be wearing into next summer. 

H&M Trend viscose blouse- $34.99 (was $59.99)

Another great boho top you'll be wearing into next summer. 

H&M leather loafer- $39.99 (was $79.99)Hands-down THE shoe of the season. Will give your flirty dresses and skirts an Annie Hall feel. Just add blazer. 

H&M leather loafer- $39.99 (was $79.99)

Hands-down THE shoe of the season. Will give your flirty dresses and skirts an Annie Hall feel. Just add blazer. 

H&M suede pump- $34.99 (was $59.99)Loafers may be trending but suede pumps in a neutral hue are forever. 

H&M suede pump- $34.99 (was $59.99)

Loafers may be trending but suede pumps in a neutral hue are forever. 

H&M striped wide-leg pants- $30 (was $49.95)LOVE anything striped right now. And wide-leg. Extra bonus- the tassel. 

H&M striped wide-leg pants- $30 (was $49.95)

LOVE anything striped right now. And wide-leg. Extra bonus- the tassel. 

Trading Up

Coated denim, moto pants, and faux leather leggings are such a welcome diversion from your typical blue jeans. Every year I buy at least 2 pairs- they're so versatile and look equally chic dressed up with heels or your favorite booties.

Just add a plaid tunic and you've got the perfect casual trying-but-not-trying look. 

Mother "Sandy" high-waisted legging- $49.99 (was $165) 

Mother "Sandy" high-waisted legging- $49.99 (was $165) 

Blank Denim Vegan Pull-On Legging- $39.99 (was $98)

Blank Denim Vegan Pull-On Legging- $39.99 (was $98)

Mavi "Adriana" coated skinny jean- $31 (was $118) 

Mavi "Adriana" coated skinny jean- $31 (was $118) 

Once Upon a Time ...

I was obsessed with anything Abercrombie. In the 90's, they were heavily inspired by vintage American workwear and every piece had its own special detail. In a way they remind me of what Ralph Lauren's Denim & Supply line is doing today. The 2000's were not kind to Abercrombie as they took on a glittery Britney-era persona that was anything but cool. Today they're exploring their roots with a cool girl twist. Back are the vintage washes and super soft fabrics. Back is the timeless menswear inspired outerwear. Yes, a lot of it is young (hello crop tops), but there are definitely items that fit in with my adult life. And their sales? Killer.

My favorites have to be their knitwear, sweatshirts, and graphic tees; just like the old days.

Boyfriend cardigan- $27 (was $58)
Boyfriend cardigan- $27 (was $58)
High-low turtleneck sweater- $27 (was $68)
High-low turtleneck sweater- $27 (was $68)
Wool-blend marled sweater- $27 (was $68)
Wool-blend marled sweater- $27 (was $68)
Boyfriend sweatshirt- $29 (was $58)
Boyfriend sweatshirt- $29 (was $58)
Graphic tee- $13 (was $34)
Graphic tee- $13 (was $34)
Graphic muscle tank- $11 (was $28)
Graphic muscle tank- $11 (was $28)
Burnout graphic tee- $13 (was $34)
Burnout graphic tee- $13 (was $34)
Georgette midi skirt- $20 (was $50)
Georgette midi skirt- $20 (was $50)
Wool-blend herringbone coat- $88 (was $220)
Wool-blend herringbone coat- $88 (was $220)
Waxed jacket- $104 (was $260)
Waxed jacket- $104 (was $260)

 

XO

Sale Alert!

Happy Saturday! Madewell is once again having an additional 30% off of their sale items. But this week, they have a lot of Fall/Winter 2014 denim marked down to $49.99 (or $34.99 after the additional 30%). It's so good you'll want to chuck your entire denim drawer and start over. And as always, shipping is free and fast (and so are returns on denim!).

Below are some of my basic and fashion faves.

Screen Shot 2014-12-06 at 9.21.19 AMAn edgy coated motorcycle jean with pintucked detail at the knee. Also available in a dreamy merlot. 

Screen Shot 2014-12-06 at 9.19.53 AMA great basic dark wash with whiskering. The cropped length lets you show off a festive shoe or detailed bootie.

Screen Shot 2014-12-06 at 9.23.52 AMThe slouchy denim trend continues to be hot, but Madewell's Slim Boyjean is a happy medium. Not too skinny, not too slouchy, you'll want to wear these with everything.

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A cleaner take on the moto jean, these have great zippered pockets and jodhpur-inspired seaming details.

xo

Currently Coveting ..

Today I just wanted to share with you a few finds I've been coveting for the last couple of weeks. As these are all pretty basic items that I can get a lot of mileage out of during an East coast fall/winter, I can rationalize paying full price for some of them. Right? First up, this fabulous wool-blend leopard print coat from & Other Stories. Haven't heard of them yet? That's because they just hit the states! Another brainchild of the geniuses at H&M, & Other Stories channels H&M's more sophisticated, approaching-investment-clothing-level shopper. You're not going to find any $9.95 sweaters here, but most items are under $100 high-quality, high-fashion shapes and fabrications.

& Other Stories leopard coat- $175

Their shoes are also to-die-for. Classic shapes with a twist, I'm all for their ankle boots in embossed leather. Don't forget to check out their accessories and jewelry, too!

& Other Stories stacked heel embossed leather bootie- $150

As you may know, I've been on the hunt for the perfect wool fedora/panama hat hybrid since August. I thought I'd be able to find a better deal than the hats over at the Madewell x Biltmore collaboration, but I really haven't! The lower price points look inexpensive and as something you could potentially wear every day, a hat should be somewhat of an investment. This navy hat is big but not too big and the navy color is just perfect. I'll take a size small, please!

Madewell x Biltmore floppy fedora- $75

Speaking of navy, this sea-hued vegan messenger bag from Zara could by the winner in my fall bag search! Croc-embossed with zipper detailing and just enough room for a MetroCard, IPhone and my favorite Nars lipsticks, this bag would add just enough polish to my cold weather looks.

Zara vegan leather mesesnger bag- $79.90

And finally, I've been wanting to jump on the overalls train for the last few months, but haven't found the perfect pair (especially hard since I don't want to pay $250!). H&M has once again pulled through with a wallet-friendly but still fashion-forward pair in black skinny denim. I have about 6 pairs of black denim/coated black denim, so this would definitely be the perfect addition to my collection. I would throw a comfy sweater under this pair and wear everything else in this post for a seriously killer fall look.

H&M black denim overalls- $59.95

xo

Keep it Simple

Jeans and a blouse is about as basic as it gets, but only if you stop there. By adding special pieces; a vintage inspired lightweight jacket, a heavily embroidered bag, and some jewelry, you've got yourself an outfit. This Current/Elliott shirt was a major score from Piperlime last year ($30 marked down from $225!). Like a denim shirt, it is a wardrobe workhorse. Over a girly dress it adds just the right amount of toughness. With my outfit below, the pattern and hardware add interest and texture. 

I have to say, as sad as I am to see summer go, I am beyond excited to switch out my clothes and my look. Stay tuned for more outfit posts this week! 

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jewelry: vanessa mooneyphoto 1

wearing: joe's jeans (similar here and here), madewell top, sam edelman booties, current/elliott shirt (other great camo pieces here and here), banjara clutchphoto2lipstick: Nars "heatwave