Getting Real
Finally putting on my big girl pants and doing this blog the right way. I'm probably never going to be completely satisfied with the way I look in photos and I'm never going to lose those last 5 pounds so what am I waiting for? No more excuses here! I'm finding that sometimes you have to get out of your own way.
So what better way to kick off the official launch of my blog than with the most "me" dress I own? Nothing says summer like an easy embroidered maxi dress, and this one from Bardot is just perfect. My summer style ethos is to be ready to jet off to Greece at a moment's notice. Or at least look like it!
Dress: Bardot (old- similar short version), Hat: H&M (similar), Shoes: Charles David (cheaper version here), Bag: (bought from Bali- similar here and here)
photos: @JP
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!
'Tis the Season..
For espadrilles!
There's no other shoe that completes a summer look like the espadrille. Lace-up, platform, or (my new fave) mule, you just can't go wrong.
Act Natural
Rounding up some of my current favorite accessories that will give any outfit that perfect relaxed, just back from vacation vibe. Bonus points for anything straw!
Embroidery Always
With spring on the horizon, you can bet that anything embroidered, floaty and feminine is high on my list.
Higher and Higher
By now I've gotten rid of almost all of my low-mid rise jeans. There's something about high waisted jeans that feels so right these days. Maybe it's about my age and wanting a little more coverage, but I'm finding a higher rise is so much more flattering.
I've picked up a few from Citizens of Humanity on MAJOR sale but I'm also loving these J Brand options I've been checking out from good old T.J. Maxx.
Will you be trading in your jeans too??
Spring is Coming
I know, I know. The east coast is predicted to get 12-18" this week, a week before the official first day of spring. But I swear, sandal weather is coming.
I've been wearing Australian brand Sol Sana for years. Well made, classic silhouettes translate to pieces you'll be wearing for seasons to come.
I recently picked up a few goodies via 6pm.com and just had to share the wealth. These are lined up in my closet just waiting for that first 65 degree day!
Black Friday Continues
Black Friday isn't over yet! There are still plenty of great deals to be had around the web and I'm rounding up some of the best shoe buys below. Who wouldn't get excited about boots at over 90% off? In fact, if you're interested in revamping your boot collection, you could get all 8 pairs of shoes below for $184 (!!!)
I'm mostly featuring Matisse shoes from Shoemetro below. Well made with classic western details and something unexpected, they've been a wardrobe staple of mine for a long time. Sold at Free People, Nordstrom, and Nastygal, they're a cool girl go-to.
Don't forget to use code "cyberdeal20" at checkout to get that extra 20% off!!
Golden Girl
This season, I'm having a serious obsession with anything golden hued. From mustard to saffron to bronze to camel, this rich color just screams fall. Bonus points luxe fabrications like velvet and satin!
I'm With the Band
My fall uniform is always the same: destructed denim, booties, a band tee, and some sort of layering piece (sweater, flannel, etc). So over the years I've built up quite a collection of vintage-inspired concert tees. I've been OBSESSED with madeworn's collection, but spending $160 on a t-shirt is just not my thing.
Luckily, I found this amazing Rolling Stones version at Zara. The front and back graphics are perfect, and so is the price! It keeps selling out so if you really want it you'll have to keep checking back like I did!
Westward Leaning
If you know me at all, you'll know how much I love a good Western bootie. Part Erin Wasson and part Ralph Lauren, this style with its pointy toes, seaming and embroidery give that perfect masculine edge to every look. I fell in love with these Dolce Vita booties earlier in the season via Nordstrom (seen here and here), but the $160+ price tag had me thinking twice about even dreaming of buying them.
Thank goodness for TJMaxx! I recently found two of my favorite pairs for $59! Get them while you still can.
September Dressing
September is all about transitional dressing. Your favorite embroidered blouse with jeans instead of shorts. That floral dress you've been wearing all summer with boots and a denim jacket. What I love about the below dress from British brand Glamorous is how right it feels for right now. It's a solid color, in of-the-moment dusty chambray blue, and has a Little House on the Prairie vibe. I'm wearing mine with a western boot, this fringed sweater and my favorite hat.
The Best Western
I know it's bordering on 100 degrees here in NYC today, but it's never too early to start shopping for fall. Especially when you find the most perfectly perfect western boot for over 80% off. In fact, you might even get two colors .. Come on, boot season!
Chestnut color here. I was lucky enough to pick them up when they were $44!
Levi's Customized Vintage 505
I have a pretty serious thing for destructed denim. Soft abrasion, full-on knee blowouts- I love it all. But what I'm particularly loving right now are heritage and vintage washes that companies are revisiting from their archives. And not surprisingly, Levi's is at the top of my list.
Enter the 1967 Customized 505 jean from Levi's. The true blue wash, the mid rise and straight fit combined with the patchwork and vintage stitching detail makes my heart swoon. It's safe to say that these jeans are the fit of the summer. And for over 80% off, these are by far the best value for your money.
L&T
I have to admit, I never thought of Lord & Taylor as a hip shopping destination. The department store in my hometown mall growing up was decidedly uncool. But today, with the addition of their inspired Design Lab collection and some amazing contemporary designers, they have converted me!
Check out some of my current faves from Bardot, Banjara, Design Lab and Blank NYC.
Spanish Soles
Espadrilles are having a big moment this season. The resurgence of the seasonal fave is in part because of the insane popularity of these Aquazzura shoes which have inspired a bevy of knock-offs. While I usually stick to the classic Soludos Dali, I've been longing for something more feminine with a platform.
Enter these babies from Splendid. With ankle ties and rustic stripes they'll add the perfect South of France vibe to denim and white looks all summer long.
Don't forget to use code "BIG" for extra 20% off at checkout @ Lord & Taylor!
White Now
We've finally had a few tastes of summer here on the east coast and what better way to celebrate than sharing my favorite new white dress?
In my book, this dress has everything going for it; it's cotton, it's textured, it has crochet trim, it's off the shoulder, and it has a sweet sleeve detail. Oh, and the adorable front pockets. If this dress doesn't leave you dreaming of your next trip to Santorini-Capri-Majorca, I don't know what will.
Don't forget to pack your espadrilles and straw bag!