1.20

Western boots were the biggest footwear trend on and off the runway last fall. They add the perfect edge to an otherwise basic or feminine look. I dipped a toe into the trend with these boots in black and they are just perfect. A just high enough heel, clingy shaft, and a pointy toe make these the perfect update on a black bootie. I paid about $90 for mine and have to keep myself from wearing them every single day. Definitely picking up the below cream color way for $55 today from DSW.

You’re welcome!

Friday Faves

Happy Friday! It was a busy one around here so you know I'm extra happy to see the weekend. Looking forward to an early Mother's Day lunch with my family tomorrow and some down time on Sunday.  Hopefully the weather will cooperate and we'll have one ice cream appropriate day. 

Here's what I've got my eyes and ears on this week.. 

Nordstrom is having a spring sale and I'm eyeing this easy but not sloppy dress, this oversized linen blazer, and this sweet dress. Also praying that they restock this linen jumpsuit in my size. 

Gingham is a big trend yet again this summer and I love the idea of trying the pattern somewhere unexpected like on these slides. 

My favorite, favorite Agolde jeans are on sale at Urban so I'll be picking up my third pair, thankyouverymuch. Their super high rise fit and length are just perfect for me. 

So excited to catch (the dreamy) Benedict Cumberbatch in Patrick Melrose airing on Showtime Saturday night. A drama featuring a British Aristocrat battling his demons and drug addictions? I'm in! Read the review here. 

I hardly touch a hair dryer once the temperature hits 60 degrees, but I'm always searching for the right product to help me get those perfect waves. I've been using this Kristin Ess air dry creme for a few weeks now and I think I have a winner! 

After 10 years of perfect skin bliss, I went off birth control.  Three months later and hormonal acne has reared its ugly head (or 5 heads if you count each individual zit). These patches have been a lifesaver. They've kept me from picking and I even wore them to work a few times to keep the big boys under wraps while they heal. 

Weekly Roundup

Ah, the weekend. What are you up to? I got home from a work trip to China last week and I'm still feeling the jet lag. Add to that the allergy situation here in New York and you've got a girl who is NOT ready for her close-up. Hoping to be back with some outfit content next week. 

Until then, here's what I'm into this week:

J. Crew is having an amazing sale right now. I picked up some one piece bathing suits and bikinis, this rainbow top, and matching pajamas (these, these, and these). My mom will be so proud! 

In the past year I've become such a white sneaker girl. Since I travel for work a lot and walk everywhere, they tend to get trashed pretty quickly so I'm always on the hunt for a new pair. I saw these natural Converse hi tops on Lacusa's site paired with a floral midi dress and immediately ordered them. 

Zara and Mango are killing it right now and I'm obsessed with all of their ladylike dresses. Stripes, checks, and linen look so fresh to me. Cleaning out my closets today and itching to get rid of all of my summer boho clothes in exchange for this, this, and this. 

As a lover of margaritas, palomas, and salty dogs, I'm excited to try this cocktail in the coming weeks. 

Scrunchies are back and I'm into it! Love how these (3 for $12!) add a little something to a basic bun or pony. Bonus: FP is offering $5 express shipping this weekend so I'll have mine by Wednesday. Also want to try this one for cute gym hair. 

This podcast about going outside your comfort zone spoke to me this week. As an introvert, it can be hard for me to take risks and meet new people. But the idea that making a change can be as easy as expanding your network (by going to a different coffee shop or striking up a conversation with someone at the barre) makes it a little less scary. 

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.  

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

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! 

Moon River striped off shoulder midi dress- $29 (was $110)

Linen

Lush ruffle hem linen-blend dress- $29.99 

Zara off-the-shoulder linen blend dress- $39.90

Abercrombie square neck linen dress- $68

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! 

Maria Innocenti linen jumpsuit- $29.99 

Mango linen cold shoulder dress- $59.99

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

Embroidery Always

With spring on the horizon, you can bet that anything embroidered, floaty and feminine is high on my list. 

Love Sam "Wanda" Embroidered Top- $39.99 (was $260)

C&C California "Dahna" Dress- $39.99 (currently $167 on Revolve.com!!!)

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??

J Brand Maria High Rise Jean "Decoy Destroy" $59.99 (was $228)

J Brand Maria High Rise "Arrested" $59.99 (was $198)

J Brand Carolina Super High Rise "Elusive" $59.99 (was $228)

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! 

Moon River lace-up sweater- $34.99 (was $80)

Mango faux fur coat- $199

Urban Outfitters crushed velvet scarf- $19

Missguided satin two-fer dress- $54

Zara velvet dress- $29.90

Forever21 burnout velvet cami dress- $24.90

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! 

Zara Rolling Stones concert tee- $22.90

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. 

Glamorous "Vida Bonita" Maxi dress- $14.50-$58 (was $62) 

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. 

Levi's Customized 505 Vintage jeans- $49.99 (was $278)

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. 

Bardot "Satorini" peasant top- $31 (was $109)

Blank NYC embroidered denim hoodie- $36 (was $98)

Bardot "Evita" blouse- $27 (was $79)

Bardot "Chloe" denim skirt- $34 (was $142)

Design Lab off-the-shoulder dress- $33 (was $88)

Banjara "Maiara" blouse- $38 (was $64)

Banjara "Isla" top- $22 (was $64)

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! 

Cynthia Vincent "Pebbles" espadrilles- $79.99 (was $195) 

W118 Walter Baker "Heather" dress- $29.99 (was $178)

Mar Y Sol raffia tote- $65 (was $115)

Vintage Feels

In my early twenties, I was a major vintage-head. I would go to my local thrift stores every Wednesday after work and scour their vintage sections. One of favorite finds was always something with colorful Mexican embroidery. I've since outgrown the head-to-toe vintage looks, but I still gravitate towards clothing with those same details. 

This top from California-based brand Lovers + Friends is such a great update to the classic Mexican peasant top. The denim and white color combo is right-on and the shorter length is perfect with this season's high waisted bottoms. I'm dying to wear mine with a straw boater, cutoffs, and espadrilles. 

Lovers + Friends "Dream Catcher" Top- $29 (was $120)

Score!

I recently scored this festival-ready shaggy cardi seen at Nastygal for almost 80% off at good old Amazon.com. 

Will be wearing it with this recent Forever 21 score,  this saddle bag, and my new favorite denim silhouette, a high-rise crop

100% Cotton

Thanks to new designers like Caroline Constas, MLM Label, and MDS Stripes, cotton has gotten a whole new lease on life. In an arena where focus is more on silk, designers are putting cotton voile, poplin, and gauze into new silhouettes that look fresh and cool for the upcoming season. Who doesn't want to wear 100% cotton in 80 degree heat? 

Fast-fashion label H&M has been quick to the draw and has some standout pieces that I snapped up in about one second. Inexpensive, on-trend, and great designs make these no-brainers for the upcoming hot weather. 

H&M Off-Shoulder cotton swiss dot dress- $19.99

H&M embroidered cotton tunic- $19.99

H&M is offering free shipping on all orders through 3/21 with code 3360

H&M Off-Shoulder poplin top- $9.99

H&M embroidered cotton voile blouse- $14.99

H&M Embroidered poplin dress- $49.99

Madewell x Sale

Flannel Ex-Boyfriend shirt- $24.50 (was $82)

Faux Shearling vest- $34.99 (was $138)

Handknit cardi- $27.99 (was $188)

See the rest of the sale here!

Nobody does a good sale better than Madewell. At this time of year, they're really trying to unload fall/winter product to make way for spring, so why not add an additional 30% off of already low prices? Sounds good to me! 

Here you can stock up on great staples (or holiday gifts!) like jeans, sweaters, outerwear and flannels. And if you don't live in LA you can still get plenty of wear out of (hello polar vortex!) them right this second. 

Sheerloft sweater- $20.99 (was $98)

Mixed plaid wool scarf- $27.99 (was $59.50)

Boho Luxe

My go-to for luxe boho pieces is French brand Antik Batik. Gorgeous prints, colorful embroidery, and Indian influences make each piece a special event you'll want to wear every day. 

Unfortunately, these gorgeous pieces come at a price. But I've been lucky to find a lot of gems over the years from Italian retailer (and Net-a-Porter owned) Yoox.com. Here you'll also find a ton of other Europe-only brands with great deals on clothing, shoes, and accessories. It takes some time to dig, but trust me it's worth it! 

See some of my favorites below. And Yoox is known to offer extra % off and free shipping almost weekly!

Antik Batik "Appoline" embroidered blouse- $52 (was $320)

Antik Batik "Lolah" kaftan- $59 (was $301)

Antik Batik embroidered blouse- $53 (was $224)

Antik Batik embroidered blouse- $36 (was $250)

Antik Batik beaded bag- $50 (was $216)

Antik Batik "Leonis" sweater- $51 (was $208)