I'm dreaming of a shoe-filled Christmas!

Bonsoir babes! Man this week feels like it is going fast! I can't believe the weekend is almost here again. I have to admit I have many countdowns going on right now that keep me perpetually excited :) 5 days until the best little brother comes home, 9 days until my weekend at VT with best friends, 8 days until I see the cutsie baby again (and her fabulous daddy and fashionista mommy), and of course 8 days until my favorite holiday!! 

As a major fan of Thanksgiving I am not one to skip right over the holiday to get to Christmas and I have strict rules for myself concerning when I can start celebrating the tinsel season: no decorating, christmas music or holiday shopping until at least the day after Thanksgiving! But my dears, I can't always manage to keep myself from dreaming about the treats I hope to find underneath that perfectly dressed tree! What can I say, I am a kid at heart :) And let me tell you loves, this year my wish list seems to be all about an accessory near and dear to all of us: the shoe. Ah yes, the ever important vessel that carries us from point a to point b with grace, style and a little bounce in our step. Instead of sugarplums dancing in my head, I have visions of Louboutins, Manolos and Choos waltzing around and they are just dying to be shared with you! 

Oh red soles, how I covet you. I just think every fashionista deserves to see a pair of these babies shining back at her from the closet every morning. To me, they are kind of like Audrey Hepburn: the epitome of glamour. Confession time: I have actually been thinking about making this a reality in my life sometime in the next year! It would have to be a BIG reward, so I don't know when the timing will be right, but even just thinking about the possibility is enough to make me bubble over with happiness! I think I would go with the classic black pump as it is a staple in any girl's wardrobe that will forever be fashionable. 

Carrie Bradshaw, see what you have done to me! You have me drooling over this totally decadent royal specimen of a shoe! Even the name is perfection and enough to make me swoon: Something Blue. I would totally get married in this beauty and make it my something blue, wouldn't you? :)

And to bring myself back down to earth (although not really if I was standing in this towering shoe!), another shoe lust that is more attainable, and actually a Christmas possibility. I have been lusting over this knockout that has been gracing us with its presence all over the blogosphere on the dainty feet of fabulous bloggers everywhere! You know how I can never say no to a sky high heel, and make it chunky and I'm sold! I can't decide between black and taupe, leather or suede though. I tend to lean towards black, because it goes with more. But 90% of my shoe collection is black so perhaps I should branch out? Oh decisions, decisions. 

I rarely find myself a fan of anything connected to Jessica Simpson, but for these heels I make an exception! Yet another shoe that took the blogosphere by storm this year. Perhaps I am just too easily influenced by you lovely ladies? No, never! This shoe never fails to make the legs of its owner appear to go on for miles, and who wouldn't be in favor of that? Again, should I ask dear Santa for the caramel or black version? 

Loves, what shoe lusts are you currently enduring? Will you cave? What items have found their way to the top of your holiday wish list? 

Bisous!

First class travel

Hello lovelies! How was everybody's weekends? Parfait, I hope! I have to admit that mine was one of the best I have had in awhile! Sometimes you just need a mini vacation to unwind and regroup, and this weekend was exactly that. I got to be pretty lazy, soak up some rays, snorkel, spend quality time with family and not stress about anything. Absolutely wonderful. The only downside was that I had totally meant to take outfit photos to share with you darlings (mainly because the setting was just so great), but I ended up living in a bikini all weekend, and that didn't really seem photo worthy! I wound up with like 500 or so pictures of the fantastic sunsets though :) I'll share one or two with you soon! 

My traveling this weekend, and the upcoming holidays, got me thinking about what our travel clothes say about us. If you find yourself waiting at the airport for a flight in the next few weeks, take a moment to look around and observe the various travel styles you will inevitably see: the juicy couture track suit woman, leggings and uggs girl, stilettos and pencil skirt lady, etc. I would venture to say that many of us (being the fashionistas that we are) still carefully select the garments that will decorate our frames on travel day, but a part of us may crave the comfort of sweats with a burning passion. But ladies, just because you aren't flying first class doesn't mean you can't look like you belong there. And trust me, you won't even have to sacrifice comfort doing so!

I usually don't advocate the leggings as pants trend, but I think airports are the one exception, particularly if you pair them with a tunic that is long enough to cover your butt. Throw on a pair of riding boots for a chic shoe that is easy to take on and off at security. Don't forget to pack a drapey cardigan that you can wrap up in since planes are usually a little chilly. I wouldn't wear too many accouterments when flying, because it is just a lot of hassle to take all your jewelry off at security, but I think a simple layered necklace adds the perfect finishing touch to this comfy, chic travel day outfit. You will look put together enough that you won't be embarrassed if you happen to be seated next to a hunk, but still totally able to comfortably cuddle up and nap if your plane mate turns out to be a dud. If you prefer to take your traveling style up a notch, your best option is a flirty, feminine frock that provides just the right amount of shape (try a cinched waist dress) but is still flowy enough to wiggle in comfortably. Swap the leggings for a pair of girly tights and add in your favorite low heeled lace up ankle boots for an instantly dressed up look. Again, keep a longer cardigan within reach. You can even take this look out on the town once you get to your fabulous destination! The best traveling outfits are truly those that leave the flyer feeling comfortable and confident, and if you don either of these options I guarantee you will achieve the desired result!

Babes, what is your preferred travel day style? Do you have a go-to traveling outfit? Do you forget about fashion for a day in order to survive the holiday transportation madness? What are your best tips for maintaining a dignified, relaxed look? Stay tuned for more holiday travel style guides!

Bisous!

Classic with a twist

Bonsoir divas! I hope you are all having a fantastic week! If you are anything like me, you are already thinking about your weekend plans, and daydreaming about the fabulousness to come. If all goes right for me (a little flight drama to work out) I will be living it up this weekend in sunny Florida for a quick vacation to the Keys and a visit with the grandparents!! I haven't seen my grandmother in 4 years, so it will be really nice to see her again! Plus, our house is literally on the beach, which means I can hopefully soak up the last little bit of color until spring. Just when I thought I was done with my tanks, shorts and sundresses, along comes a trip to Florida- not that I am complaining :) Since I haven't even started to pack yet, (yikes) I am going to keep this post short and get straight to the outfit photos. 

As much as I adore color (especially pink) and the instant spice it adds to an outfit, I never get tired of a classic black and white combo. Add in a fun pattern or funky shape (like this layered skirt and the ruched sleeves) and I am sold! Blouse: BCBG; Skirt: Boutique in London (forgot name); Tights: Topshop; Booties: Steve Madden; Watch: Micheal Kors, Necklace: Lavender Cottage; Rest of jewelry: Gifted or borrowed.

My college roommate and I actually both bought this skirt when we studied abroad. I had left Paris to visit her in London for the weekend and we found a very pink boutique in Camden Market (rather rare) and I, of course, insisted on popping in. The sweetheart that she is indulged my obsession, and we both wound up leaving with this fun skirt!

Now that I finally fixed the previously uncomfortable lining of these booties, I totally love them! They are rapidly becoming my go-to black heels, although everyone seems to question my sanity when  I wear them. I'm sure you all will understand :)

I've made it well known that my goal for this season is to diversify my look, so to add a little oomph to my classic look, I paired it with my new H&M aviator shearling bomber jacket. It is definitely not a style I usually wear, and I LOVE it. It is an easy way to add a little edge to my girly vibe. Plus, it is sooo warm.

This jacket is definitely going to be a staple piece in my wardrobe this year!

Back of the shirt. My mom and I actually found this shirt at the Williamsburg outlets a month ago when we went down to visit my brother. I loved that it gave me an opportunity to experiment with the sheer trend, without feeling too exposed.

I think I really am addicted to shoes!

And I say the higher the better!

And before I go try and figure out how to pack three days worth of clothes (and shoes!) plus my laptop into a carry-on, I wanted to show you the necklace I am wearing, a bit closer up. It was a gift from the terrific etsy shop, Lavender Cottage when I won  Belle de Couture's giveaway a few weeks ago and I am totally in love with this sweet piece. The light always seems to catch it just right and I adore how it shines. It is a nice size too- not a statement necklace, but not too tiny either. 

Everything was first-class about this necklace, right down to the adorable packaging it arrived in. And I am a total sucker for packing!!

So dolls, what is on your weekend agenda? Any vacation plans, or upcoming trips you are excited about? Try out any "out of the comfort zone" outfits lately? Don't forget to enter my In Fashion giveaway before midnight Wednesday. The winner will be announced Thursday!

Bisous!

Layer me, please!

Happy Sunday babes! I don't know about yall, but I majorly enjoyed some much needed R&R this weekend. It was a loooong and hectic week, and I am so grateful to have had nothing on the agenda this weekend. I hope you all were excited about whatever plans you may have had as well, and I can't wait to read all about them :)

First, I'd like to share a few exciting things with you before I post the promised "layer success" photos (er, at least I think it was a success!) Thanks to an amazing giveaway from the ever fabulous Erika of Cafe Fashionista, I was introduced to an amazing boutique filled with wonderful trinkets of all sorts! Shock Boutique has all kinds of chic goodies from dresses and tops, to accessories and intimates! I think I need to pick up that fierce panther ring if I'm not lucky enough to win Erika's giveaway! Shock Boutique has been so kind to offer all of you lovely readers a 25% off promo code if you see something you like, which I have no doubt that you will! Just use "SHOCKTWEET" when you go to check out. Happy shopping bellas and don't forget to let me know what you find!

If any of you are as devoted to beautiful shoes as I am, then I know that Jessica of Style Obsession's KM2 shoes giveaway is a no-miss!! I am so beyond in love with these work-of-art heels that I can't even explain it, but I needed to share these delectable treats with you lovelies. Click on over there to check out how you can enter yourself to win a pair of these couture heels!

And now, the layers :) I have been wanting to figure out how to layer up without making my frame look too bulky for quite some time, if only for practicality's sake. I would see other bloggers pulling off the look effortlessly and want so badly to find a way to make it work for myself. Needless to say I spent many hours in front of the mirror modeling various combos, yet each time I would frown at the less than satisfying end result. Until Wednesday, that is, when i managed to put together something that finally didn't make me look three times my usual size. 

I apologize for the boring backgrounds of my photos. I will have to  get more creative :) Dress: Macy's; Sweater wrap: H&M; Belt: Kohl's; Socks: Century 21; Shoes: Simply Vera Vera Wang; Necklace: Amrita Singh, Watch: Michael Kors

All day long I got compliments on my "boots" lol. I guess the socks and shoes kind of run together if you aren't looking closely. 

Sorry for the poor quality of the photos. I have been having difficulties with my camera  unfortunately. 

The sweater is sooo comfy!

Found these on sale at Kohl's this summer and have been meaning to wear them ever since! Nothing like the first wear of a new love, right? :)

Ok, now I want to hear your tales of looks it took you a while to perfect. What was the look and how did you finally master it? Do you live for layering or does the style trip you up? How was YOUR weekend?

Oh, don't forget to enter my In Fashion giveaway before Thursday!!

Bisous!

 

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!

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)