Unveiling...

How many of you have that one chic accessory that you know in an instant will add glam to any outfit? The one that had you saving your pretty little pennies for quite awhile before dashing out to satisfy your craving. The one that can make you feel completely grown-up on the outside, no matter what youthful desires are screaming on the inside to be let out. Well, my darlings, I am pleased to say that I have now joined your club. Never did I imagine myself admiring an accessory quite as much as I have been doing with this beauty for several weeks. It seemed to be everywhere! With each blog I read that displayed it tantalizingly, I grew more and more enamored, until I finally broke down and decided it was unhealthy to deprive myself of such a strong "want". Yes, I know it was not necessarily a need, but hey, sometimes a girl just deserves a treat!! And so, without further adieu, I present you with....

My absolute obsession! I had been seeing Michael Kors beauties glistening in the blogosphere for quite some time and I just couldn't resist their allure any longer! I managed to get a great deal on my lovely watch, but it was still a good bit more than I typically allow myself to spend on an accessory. However, I feel totally justified in my purchase, because I know it is a classic piece that I will wear all the time. Plus, there is something to be said for how put-together I feel donning this gem every day. It is my first "adult" piece of jewelry and I couldn't be happier!

With three freelance articles worth of work clasped around my wrist, I have a permanent reminder of how great it feels to work hard for something that you truly want. Even though this purchase was definitely a "want" and not a "need", in a way I think that makes me appreciate it even more!

I couldn't wait to try out several of my new purchases today, and with the Palestinian Ambassador to the U.S. coming in today, it seemed like the perfect day to feel grown-up.

I was so in love with this printed sundress that I picked up in Georgetown this weekend, that I couldn't let it idle in my closet until spring. But with the half cardi, tights and wedges it made for a perfect transition outfit. Cardigan: Anne Taylor, Dress: Urban Outfitters, Tights: Topshop, Wedges: Steve Madden, Watch: Michael Kors, Ring and necklace: Grandmother's vintage, Bracelet: Personal Accents, Purse: Handbag Heaven, Scarf: Paris

Added my favorite scarf to my structured, lady-like handbag to give it a youthful vibe. It also conveniently complimented the subtle pink throughout the dress.

Showing off the watch :)

Though my love of shoes seems to have taken a back seat to my watch in this post, I can't totally ignore my absolute favorite pair currently! Never have I had such a comfortable, cute shoe!!

It was love at first step :) (Yes, I really am a cornball)

So dolls, what accessory gives you that total grown up chic confidence? Have you come to love a certain piece of your jewelry collection so much that you feel naked stepping out of the door without it? I'd love to hear all about it! A big thank you to all my lovely readers and followers! Hearing from you always just makes my day :)

Bisous!

Sweetness and light

Hello lovelies! I hope everyone had a blissful weekend :) Mine was filled with cupcakes, shopping and delightful times with friends. It couldn't have gotten any better! My Paris BFF took the bus down from NYC for the weekend and we had such a marvelous time together. Even though I had seen her a month ago, it still felt like we had loads to catch up on. We spent most of Friday just lounging around chatting and eating (if you knew the two of us that would be a given).

 Considering it ended up being 80+ degrees on Friday I didn't pick the best day to debut my faux leather jacket, but I got lots of compliments so I think it was worth it :) Jacket: Century 21, Tanktop: White House Black Market, Jeans: Levi's, Wedges: M.P.S, Purse: Vintage Louis Vuitton, Ring: Grandmother's vintage, Earrings: Gifted, Nails: Essie Merino Cool.

Saturday we decided to be a bit more productive and enjoyed a fantastic day of shopping in the city. We also had the BEST thai food I have ever had in my life, which I had totally wanted to take a picture of it to show you ladies because it was so elegantly presented, but silly me forgot the memory card in the camera. Anyways, Sam and I are planning to move to Georgetown together when she moves here in January, so we also wanted to check out the area and see if there were any available apartments as well. While we didn't exactly find our dream apartment yet, we certainly managed to find some major shopping scores! I even got to experience my first vintage store. We didn't really have enough time to thoroughly explore and sift through to find the hidden gems, but we had fun anyways and now that I know where it is, I will definitely visit again. And of course I had to pop into my beloved Steve Madden to once more drool over the beautiful glittery pumps I have been admiring forever. Sam and I both ended up doing great at Urban Outfitters though! A lot of adorable clothes on sale.

I was sooo happy when I came across this adorable little racerback tank shoved in the back of the crowded sales rack. Not only was I in love with the casual loose fit and the stripes, but the words are of course part of my blog name! It just seemed too perfect. Expect to see this in an outfit post asap before it gets too cold!

I have a major thing for printed sundresses and the color of this one, combined with the wonderful sale tag, made it irresistible to me! Even though the days of sundresses are pretty much gone for the season, I think this can definitely be paired with a jacket, tights and boots to carry it into fall.

I really loved the mixing of prints. Have you noticed my theme of enjoying that trend?? :)

 I also picked up a perfect little black lace bandeau bra (which I had desperately needed) but I think I will keep that just to myself :) After I had completely worn Sam out with shopping I had to reward her with an overdose of sweetness as we ventured to the famous Georgetown Cupcake shop and picked up the cutest box of cupcakes I have ever seen in my life. 

If you ever visit Georgetown please make sure to try one of these delectable treats! But I highly recommend pre-ordering them unless you enjoy waiting in an hour and a half line. Sam, my cousin (Katie) and I each picked two scrumptious cakes from the menu to sample. Katie and Sam both went with a classic red velvet and while Katie paired hers with a cute sunshine, Sam decided to be festive and try out a pumpkin spice. I of course couldn't pass up a peanut butter fudge and a mint oreo selection. All of us were very satisfied and full, though the cat was not pleased that he did not get to partake in the sampling.

I admit that this has kind of become my go-to shopping day ensemble. To me it is the perfect combination of comfortable enough to spend the day testing and trying new clothes, but chic enough to make you feel confident as you browse. Dress: Heartloom, Boots: Steven by Steve Madden, Earrings: gifted, Bracelets: borrowed from mom, Ring: Grandmother's vintage.

Ok ladies, now enough about me, I want to hear all about your weekends! Any shopping trips or major scores that you are just thrilled about? Did you explore any fun cities that you want to share with me? I'd love to hear all about it darlings so share away! And stay tuned for my mystery exciting purchase reveal :)

Bisous!

Cuddle up kittens

One of the undeniably fabulous things about the colder weather is wrapping up in chunky layers and cuddling up on the couch-hopefully with a cuddle buddy :). And I think we can all agree that one of this season's hottest things to be wrapped in is fur-whether faux or real. While in the fashion world, real is almost always better I personally prefer to fake it when it comes to fur. Lucky for the furry-friendly fashionista there are many, many amazing options for us to don and look terrificly elegant. The luxurious softness and wallet friendly price tag are the candles on top. I've been scouring the web to score one of these beauties, and I haven't made any decisons quite yet, but these are some of my favorites:

If this was not sold out on every site I have come across, it would be in my closet!!! Oh the sadness.

I thought about picking up a vest like this in Paris, but the only ones they had were made of rabbit and I just couldn't do that.

I really love this one! It is so simple but great and could easily be used to dress any outfit up or down.

Mmm this one is just fur-i-licious!!

What do you ladies think of fur? Are you loving it as this seasons it outerwear? Do you favor vests or jackets?

Continuing to show support for breast cancer awareness. Shirt and skirt: H&M, Wedges: Steve Madden, Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Earrings, bracelets and ring: Personal Accents, Ring: Grandmother's vintage

Finally tried out one of my new Essie's! Nails: Merino Cool. I never would choose a color like this typically but I LOVE it. It is a really beautiful shade. Can't wait to try the others :)

I have to admit I have such a weakness for Charlotte Russe jewelry. They have a huge selction at a great price.

New wedges. I had been looking for a pair that was just a simple black pair, and this was the chosen pair.

So I made a very exciting purchase this week that I can't wait to get and share with you!! Hopefully it will come soon because I feel  like a little kid on christmas eve waiting for this package to arrive! Ok beauties, have a fabulous weekend!!
Bisous!

Pretty in pink

Hello bellas! Oh the joy of working two jobs and not hoping into bed until 3 am.... and yet I am still blogging. Guess that makes me crazy! Well I apologize, but I am going to keep this short for now since my eyes are fighting to stay open, and who knows what I might write in this sleep-deprived state! :) I will leave you with just my outfit pictures for now, but check back tomorrow afternoon for an updated post! Every Wednesday in October is show your pink support day at my office, which naturally I love for many reasons, so of course I had to join the cause! Not that it was a hardship since I am obsessed with pink anyways. Ok ladies, good night and good luck!


(P.S. I was doing sooo well on no shoe buying... until today)

In honor of yesterday's tribute to scarves, I had to show you one of my personal favorites! Shirt: H&M Paris, Dress: BCBG, Scarf: Paris, Leggings: Paris, Boots: Madden Girl, Watch: White House Black Market, Rings: Charlotte Russe, Grandmother's vintage collection, Earrings: gifted.

One of my favorite purchases from Paris, and I got it from a street vendor for 3 euros!

Even sporting my breast cancer awareness watch! I know it is a little hard to see but the ring on my pinky is one of my absolute faves! It is one of my grandmother's vintage rings and she gave it to my mother the day I was born, because it was my birth stone. I love wearing sentimental pieces and this one is beautiful to boot. Unfortunately my fingers are larger than my grandmother's so it only fits my pinky. But I still wear it!

Yes, I know this has nothing to do with clothes, but how cute are these breast cancer awareness cookies?? I couldn't resist them in the caf. today! I still haven't eaten them, but I have no doubt they will be as delicious as they are adorable!

Bisous!

Milan let loose!

The season has been upon us for a few weeks now and bloggers are abuzz with chatter. We eagerly pour over the photos and allow ourselves to lust over the perfection appearing in front of our eyes. We exchange favorites and mentally create do and don't lists to abide by for the season. And of course we hurry out to stock our wardrobes with all the essentials. No, I'm not talking about the delightful, crisp autumn breeze that so many of us have been craving. I am taking about something even better. Fashion week season. The past few weeks I have constantly found myself perusing style.com, to get the latest updates on the shows I hope to one day be attending, and gushing over the luxurious creations gracing the runway. I must say, this year has been a big hit in my book as so many of the collections have seemed more wearable off the runway as compared to the usual avant garde pieces that are so fun to admire, but not always every-day translatable. Tomas Maier couldn't have put it any better than when he said after his Bottega Veneta show Saturday "I don't like making clothes for red-carpet events. I like real life." Why thank you Tomas, because most of us spend our whole lives there and we enjoy it as well! With the crème de la crème of fashion weeks having kicked off tonight in Paris, I am all the more excited to see what designers will deliver for the fashion capital of the world. I feel like a kid on Christmas morning :)

Many of the Milan shows this week easily made their way to the top of my list thanks to the bright color palette that was a theme of the shows and the bold, clashing patterns designers dared to pair together. It was atypical for the city that tends to produce much more muted collections than the sassier Paris and definitely a refreshing treat. Like any girl, I enjoy a good dose of sophisticated neutrals, particularly in the a/w collections and I absolutely adore a classic black/white combo! But for s/s showings I really prefer to see bright cheery colors that match the feel of the seasons infused into the collections and Milan delivered on that desire this year.

I especially adored the Bottega Veneta collection. Though the collection was almost entirely composed of pieces in various shades of cream, with a few stunning colorful pieces thrown in towards the end, I was attracted to the playful ease theme woven through the collection. Maier said the cream background would give women a chance to really experiment with color in their accessories to "make the look their own" which is always a good thing in my opinion. Not to mention, the shoes were fabulous! I'll take a wedge sandal with woven espadrille soles anyday!

The mixed patterns in the Versus line were just too fun! I loved how Christopher Kane slowly incorporated florals into his plaid pieces as the show progressed and I was so happy to see the cutout minidresses from last February's show make a reappearance. The color-blocking was an added bonus. And the playground equipment which was the set for this show was the perfect touch for the "cool,preppy and sexy" vibe that the Versus line embodied.

And of course the Dolce and Gabbana finale was absolutely incredible. D&G said the line was meant to showcase a "hope chest" of items that a bride-to-be would take with her into her married life. The models donned couture lace suits and dresses for the day and then quickly piled on rhinestones for a show-stopping evening look. And the models ended the show displaying the "honeymoon underwear".

And to wrap it up for the night, I'll show you a few quick pics of what I was wearing today!

I have been dying to try out my new military jacket and the weather is finally making jackets permissible! I wasn't sure whether to button it up or leave it open, so I would love to hear from you ladies which way you prefer! Jacket: Anne Taylor Loft, Dress: White House Black Market, Shoes: Badgley Mischka , Earrings: gifted, Ring: grandmother's vintage collection. 

Trying it open. 

So ladies what did you think of Milan fashion week? Were you surprised by any collections? Disappointed? What shows are you most excited for in Paris? Do you prefer the military jacket closed, to show off the beautiful brass buttons or open? I adore hearing your wonderful opinions and I promise I will return the love! Don't forget to follow my blog if you like what you are reading! Ciao bella!

Bisous!

(All images from style.com and Jak and Jil)

Stubborn Summer

Happy Friday fabulous friends!! Friday is easily my favorite day of the week. As much as I adore my job, I thoroughly enjoy my relaxing day off. Saturday is my family/friend day, but Fridays are my day. I get to sleep in, relax, run errands and just enjoy my time alone. I didn't accomplish all of my to-do list today (car still messy and nails still unpolished), but I did finally get my hair cut, caught up on my fashion mag reading and watched quite a few Sex and the City episodes. It was a lovely, albeit unusually hot, Friday.

Well fall may have technically been ushered in this week, but in Virginia summer is stubbornly staying put. We had 90+ degree weather today! It was ridiculous. I love summer, particularly the sunny colors, sundresses and strappy sandals that are a summer staple, but I am ready for my fall wardrobe! Boots, cozy knits and black and white patterns are calling my name! I guess the best way to describe my outfit today is a mixture of summer and fall appropriate. What can I say, I just couldn't make up my mind!

Blouse: White House Black Market, Bracelet: borrowed from mom, Ring: Charlotte Russe, Shorts: Charlotte Russe, Socks: Century 21, Shoes: MPS

I warned you I was totally obsessed with wedges right now!

 I might, maybe have gotten these in black and brown because I loved them so much! They are ridiculously comfortable, too.

My adorable cousin all ready for her high school football game! Love this chica.

 Ok ladies, I need your help now! I want to wear this outfit to a party that the boy I am crazy about will be attending, but I want your opinion. Is it too much or just enough? Do you think it will help me win the boy?? Help a girl out, lovely ladies, and leave your opinion! Have a wonderful weekend, look fabulous and share all the juicy details with us!

Bisous!

Hello Lovah!!

Hello lovelies! I hope that wherever you are, you had as beautiful a weekend as we had and that you took advantage of the perfect almost autumn weather! As I mentioned earlier, I went to visit my little brother, who also happens to be my best friend, this weekend with some friends and we had a fantastic time! I wish I could have stayed longer, but alas I have to be a grown up and can't live the college life anymore! My parents actually came down on Saturday as well to see him pitch (he is a division 1 baseball pitcher) so we had a nice little family day yesterday. The day was picture perfect for a baseball game and we all enjoyed watching him pitch the best game we have seen him throw in a long time. It was so nice for all of us to be together, too, since that doesn't happen very often anymore. Doesn't hurt that his team is very good looking as well :). Perfect weather, baseball AND cute boys= my heaven! It was a little too hot to wear the outfit I had planned, but I made due with capris, a tank and flats that I hadn't really thought I would need. For once my obsessive over-packing paid off! We capped off the lovely day with a healthy dosage of chick-flick by indulging in Letters to Juliet-- a movie I have been dying to see, especially since Sophie is a fact-checker aspiring to be a writer. Now if only I could have a romantic Italian adventure and fall in love with a gorgeous English boy! Hey, a girl has to dream, right?

Today my mom and I continued the weekend of driving and left bright and early this morning to head up to see our favorite pregnant lady for her baby shower! My cousin and his wife are expecting their first baby this fall and we are all SO excited. My cuz is 10 years older than me, so my brother and I always looked up to him as kids. He was "the coolest" in our minds and we loved every minute of the summers he spent with us. I can't believe he is about to become a father and we were thrilled to celebrate the beautiful mommy-to-be today. She happens to be one of my biggest style inspirations and took me on one of my most memorable shopping trips in Georgetown. She always manages to look classic and modern all at once. Even though she is almost 8 months pregnant she looked adorable today and definitely didn't skimp on fashion for comfort-- she wore heels for goodness sake!

Getting emotional as she realizes she is about to have something tiny enough to fit in that little onesie!

So what do you get for the fashionista mommy?

A coach diaper bag of course! :) This was our long standing joke since her answer to "when are you going to have kids??" was always "when I can afford a coach diaper bag!"

I am convinced that there is nothing more precious in the world than a sleeping child.

The ladies of our family with our favorite momma-to-be!! Dear baby, please come soon!! 

Now you are probably wondering what in the world the title of this post has to do with baseball games and baby showers. Well, maybe if I had written about what I originally intended to write about it would make sense :). So anyways, to get back to that...

Hello, my name is Laura and I am a shoe addict! (Now is the part when all you other shoe addicts say "Hi Laura!" Oh come on, I know you are out there!) As a recent college graduate I did one of the things college grads dread doing... yes you guessed it, I moved back home to live with mom. Yes, it is only temporary and I am hoping to have my own place to decorate very, very soon (with two fantastic roommates I might add!), but for now I am the college grad bum sponging off my mom. Is it a bummer at times, absolutely. But does it allow me to indulge in my shoe addiction for a bit longer (while still saving for my own adorable digs, of course), ABSOLUTELY!! Am I thoroughly enjoying this advantage?? I think you know that answer :). Lately whenever I am not on deadline for freelancing, I have found myself wondering over to the new Bloomingdale's Outlet after work, drooling in the shoe department and thinking in my head "hello lovah!" I used to be a very good window shopper, but now all those pent-up, unfulfilled longings seem to be coming back to bite me in the butt! I think I have been watching too much Sex and the City since I seem to be justifying my many purchases by saying, well it isn't like these are $400 Manolo Blahniks! I had been itching for a chance to wear my latest babies, and I decided that the baby shower of one of the most stylish ladies I know was the perfect debut!

As much as I love the layered outfits of fall, I had to take advantage of one of the last hot, sunny weekends of the season and get another wearing out of one of my favorite dresses. Glad I did, too, since almost every woman there was in a dress.

Thank you to mom for taking pics even when you just wanted to go to bed. You're the best!

The accessories.

My current loves :)

I am kind of a sucker for bows!! 

Dress: Kohls
Bag: Handbag Heaven
Ring/Bracelet: Charlotte Russe
Earrings: gift
Headband: H&M
Shoes: Badgley Mischka

Ok, now that you have seen my obsession from every angle, I want to hear all about YOUR weekends! I hope they were absolutely wonderful and that all of you beautiful ladies got to wear something this weekend that made you feel fabulous! What is the item in your wardrobe currently that you just love? Tell me about it!

Until tomorrow babes,
Bisous!

First outfit post!

Happy Friday lovelies!! I hope you all have fantastic weekend plans that you are thrilled about. Pour moi? I will be making a short trip to see the best brother in the world and to celebrate a good friend's birthday! Even though it has only been a month I have missed Matt dearly and I can't wait to see him again. Then to finish off the weekend mom and I will be driving up to Pennsylvania to see my favorite preggo cousin and celebrate the soon to be newest member of our family. I haven't seen her the entire time she has been pregnant and I can't wait to see her glow and maybe even take some maternity photos of the beautiful couple. Eeee I love babies (if you couldn't tell) and I have been so stinking excited for this baby to come! Only a few more weeks now though. And you better believe that it will be the most stylish little baby around if I have anything to say about it, although we don't know if it is a boy or girl so I have to wait to start buying the itsy bitsy adorable tinny clothes.

Well I have been awfully nervous to do an outfit posting, but your sweet comments on my NYC photos have made me decide to just go for it. I will get better at these photos I promise, and any advice you have on how I can improve will be much appreciated. I'm going to keep it short though since I still need to pack. Enjoy your weekend ladies and I will talk to you Monday.

Just got this denim dress the other day and I was so excited to wear it with these boots. I don't usually dress this casually for work (even though it is a very casual office), but since I was going to the baseball game straight from work, I wanted to be comfy but still cute.

Everyone at work joked that it was nice to see my actual height, since it was the first time they had ever seen me not wearing heels!

It was still a little too warm to be wearing socks, but I picked up those knee highs at Century 21 in NYC and have been wanting to wear them ever since! 

These boots are soooo comfy

Ok, I admit it. I may be a little obsessed with this bag. And with the website where I found it, handbag heaven. They have a huge selection and their prices are amazing! If you are in need of a cute, cheap bag, check it out!

I told you I am obsessed! I love the distressed leather and the detail of the buttons.

I have become quite a regular in the ring department at Charlotte Russe.

Ok sorry, I know this is a terrible photo but I just couldn't get a good shot of the earrings. Like I said, I will get better :)

Alright, well hopefully this will just be the first of many outfit posts! I think this blog will be such a great way to watch my style evolve over time. I have already been very influenced (in good ways!) by all of you beautiful bloggers and I can't wait to see where else this journey will take me.

BIG thank you to my darling cousin for taking pictures!

Dress: Charlotte Russe
Boots: Steve Madden
Ring: Charlotte Russe
Bracelets: Amrita Singh (from Gilt)
Earrings: borrowed from fantastic mom
Bag: Handbag Heaven
Socks: Century 21

Bisous!