Guys, this purse is a total steal and everyone should get one, and that's basically the point of this post. Well, also that I found some cute nail polish. You should buy that too.
Kate Spade Horseshoe Cove Scout in Natural/Black, on sale for $139 down from $278 at katespade.com: The story to how I just bought this bag is funny. I was thinking of what I wanted for my 21st birthday, and one of the things that I was thinking about getting was a nice bag. One of my good friends just bought one of the bags I was thinking about, the Mulberry Alexa, which is absolutely gorgeous. It's also absolutely expensive. So then I stumbled across a cheaper alternative, the Cambridge Satchel. How cute are those bags?! Adorable. But the actual Cambridge Satchel website is super unreliable, and I don't love the colors that they have on Asos. So then I stumbled across the Kate Spade Scout bags, and they happened to be wayyyy on sale. Like half off. And they come in an adorable range of colors, and have magnet clasps instead of actually having to use the buckles, and an adorable lining, and basically I love them. They come in either all patent leather (for $50 more) or lacquered canvas with patent leather trim. I ordered the black yesterday because I figured it would be the most practical and wearable (although I seriously debated about getting the pink version. It's so cute!). The interior is lined with a sweet polka dot fabric, and there are two main compartments, with a smaller zippered compartment as well. The strap is adjustable, and the perfect length to wear cross-body. What I really love is the size. It's about 10" wide and 7" tall, which is just the right size to fit all the things I need without giving me too much space to fill with lots of things that I don't really need.
It also comes in Natural/Coral and Natural/Wheatgrass, and how cute is that pink. I think aesthetically, for how much these purses cost (on sale! so affordable!), these are a slam dunk. The structured, boxy shape is very retro, the treated canvas has a summery feel, and the shiny patent trim adds a nice modern touch. I'm really glad that I splurged on this, because I think it's the kind of purse that I can get a lot of wear out of, year round.
Zoya polish in Wednesday, $8 at zoya.com: Zoya describes it as a faded, dirty medium turquoise with a green undertone and an opaque cream finish. I actually got this a few months ago (ahem, I am the worst) and I've been wearing it allllllll the time, on my fingers and toes! It's just such a fun color. It's a slightly muted, greener version of Tiffany blue, and it's surprisingly flattering, especially against a tan. It's bright, but it doesn't look childish. It applies like a dream, opaque in two coats, and lasts a week on me (that manicure is 2-3 days old). The picture on the left has flash, the picture on the right doesn't.
Buy both these things! They are great.
Images via pursepage.com, polyvore.com, katespade.com.
When I was in London, I popped into the Topshop at Oxford and happened across a whole display of these gorgeous, handmade leather bags from Etui. I couldn't find much on the internet about Etui, but the tag on my bag says they make 'Vintage Inspired Leather Bags'. They had a toooon of bags at Topshop, little pouches, wallets, big totes, and I grabbed this medium-sized clutch/shoulder bag.
It was 56 pounds, so around $80? It's a thick burgundy-red leather with crocodile stamping. It has a nice sheen to it and a bit of a vintage finish--it looks a bit lived in, which I really like. It's about 12"x4" and an envelope style, so the top flap folds over and closes at that magnetic snap you can see in the first picture. The shoulder chain (which is pretty long, it hits me at the hip) snaps on at those little rivets you can see on the left, so it's removable if I want to wear it as a clutch. The inside of the bag is a plain black nylon-ish fabric, with a small zipped side pocket (the zipper pull is a little heart--too adorable).
I've always been wary of these little shoulder bags because I tend to carry a ton of stuff around with me. But on the other hand, my shoulder is always killing me because of that, so downsizing is definitely a positive for my back. I can fit a surprisingly amount of stuff in this bag though: my phone, sunglasses, keys, touch-up makeup (powder, brush, lip balm, lipstick/gloss, eyeliner), credit cards/cash/license, etc.
Overall I totally love this. I've never really had a bag in a color before, so that's fun for me. It's a vampy sort of color, so it's fun but not so bright that I can't wear it with a lot of clothes. I love the texture of the crocodile stamping and how it makes my bag feel more upscale, and the size is perfect for me. I have no complaints! So if you're ever in London (or on eBay), definitely look into Etui's bags.
I've been packing and cleaning all day today. I hate packing and cleaning. I really, really do. So, to make me feel better, here are some pretty things.
Melinda Maria Gwyneth Ring, $42 at shopbop.com, Rachel Zoe Zoe Tote, $450 at shopbop.com, Rachel Zoe Pamela Satchel, $495 at shopbop.com: How cute is that skinny ring? It comes in turquoise and black, and it's got stones set in 18K (plated, not solid) gold. That's pretty good for $42, no? I love it because it's skinny and basic enough to wear every day, but the alternating stone sizes and geometric feel keep it interesting. It would be cute and dainty with just one on the ring finger, and layered with a few other gold rings it could have a more rocker/Olsen twin vibe. Apparently Rachel Zoe has a bag line now. I think they're pretty cute, given the price point, even if they are a little heavy on the hardware. I like the doctor/framed shape of this first bag. It feels very ladylike, but all the black and the gold hardware and the little chain give it a bit of a rebellious vibe. This would be a great work bag that transitions well to going out at night. And how great is that shape of that tote? It would be such a great school bag, big enough to fit some books and a laptop. The buckles on the bottom have a bit of a biker feel, but the overall shape is simple enough to keep it all from being too busy.
Images via shopbop.com.
So I saw Friends with Benefits this weekend. The highlight for me was Mila Kunis' makeup and wardrobe. I really loved that she did a lot of cute, casual outfits around jersey pencil skirts. As much as I wish I could be the girl in the flippy a-line skirt, a pencil skirt works a lot better for my figure. Sometimes they can come across as stiff and formal, but dressed down with some drapery and a cute little tee like this one, they can actually be really cute. So I put together an outfit that I'd wear in out and about that's based around a jersey pencil skirt.
Drapey Bubbled Tee, $58 at anthropologie.com, Lily White Banded Skirt, $22 at nordstrom.com: A friend of mine has this pencil skirt. I assumed it was like a $50 piece from Banana Republic or something, because it's a nice thick stretchy jersey, but it's $22 for Nordstrom. Total steal! This piece works because it has enough stretch to be comfy but not to lose its shape, the black is versatile and neutral, and the high-waisted shape is very flattering. I'd pair it with this blue draped tee. The softness of the tee works nicely with the clean lines of the skirt and gives it a bit of a casual, low-key twist, and the blue pops nicely against the black.
CC Skye Upper East Side Satchel, $650 at shopbop.com, Lauren by Ralph Lauren Astrid Gladiator Sandal, $37.49 at ralphlauren.com: Then I'd add this shoulder bag. The warm brown and textured leathers add a visual richness, but since it's brown it's still a neutral and doesn't fight with the blue top. What I love about this bag is that it has a vintage doctor's/camera bag feel, but it's still easy to use and convenient with it's cross-body strap and zip top. In theory I'd do heels with this outfit, but since I want it to be casual and practical, I'd do a pair of flat sandals. These are simple and understated, but with the twisted detail they manage not to be boring. The dark brown ties in with the bag and gives the whole ensemble a cohesive feel.
Images via flisted.com, anthropologie.com, shopbop.com, nordstrom.com,
It's my birthday next Monday! I'm gonna be 20! I feel old (I know that sounds dumb, but still). Anyways, here's some random stuff that I've been eyeing for gifties (in my head. Not for reality. But still).
Los Angeles print by BirdAve, $20 at etsy.com, J. Crew Jenna's Cardigan, $70 at jcrew.com: This Etsy shop has the cutest, CUTEST prints. There's a whole series on skylines of different cities, and I had to pick my hometown. I love the retro, slightly faded classic skyline against the neon blue. It feels very fresh but very old school at the same time, and I want to frame it and hang it up in my room. And it's only $20! That's why I love Etsy. That such a great price for an original print. I'm in a cardigan collecting phase right now, and I have my eye set on this little guy. I've blogged it already like ten times, so I'll just say that it comes in a good range of neutral colors, the cropped body and 3/4 sleeves are very flattering and sweet, and it will go with everything.
Ray-Ban Modern Wayfarers, $139 at shopbop.com, Fallon Jewelry Loved ID Ring, $75 at shopbop.com: I have two pairs of Ray-Bans, and they're both broken. Ugh. It's definitely my fault, but it's still annoying. I love oversized wayfarers, but this modern take on the shape is refreshing. The shape of the glasses works for a lot of different face types, the gradient lenses have a slightly retro feel, and the dark brown is a great, less harsh alternative to black. I know this ring looks giant, but it's much smaller in person. I love how it looks relatively simple from afar, but up close it has the adorable writing across the band (this one says 'loved,' and there's another one that says 'adored'). It's just a fun, sweet little piece of jewelry that you can wear everyday, and it's gold-plated! Gotta love the little luxuries.
Foley + Corinna Jet Set Bag, $495 at shopbop.com, Gondolier with the Wind Dress, $47.99 at modcloth.com: I have a Foley + Corinna bag. I've had it since 8th grade (SEVEN YEARS Y'ALL) and it's in great shape. It actually looks better, aside from the minor stains I may have made, so I trust the quality of their bags. I want this one. I like the shiny black leather, and I love the shape. It fits so perfectly under your arm, but it's big enough to hold all my junk, and it has a slight equestrian vibe. Plus, one of my favorite parts is that it looks like it has an open top, which I like, but it actually zippers beneath the straps, so nothing is falling out of this baby. It's very chic and polished, so you could wear it to work, but it's also a little edgy, so you could wear it out and about. I know I won't actually get this for my bday, but in theory I want it. How adorable is this dress? The shape is very flattering, with the fitted bodice and slightly flared skirt, and I love the zig-zag stripe pattern. It's a little geometric, a little French girl, and a little retro. I want to wear it with a cobalt blue belt, cute little boots, and a cropped cardigan (plus the price is great!).
Images via shopbop.com, etsy.com, jcrew.com, modcloth.com.
This post was a request from one of my housemates about how not to look like a tourist when you're traveling. I think it's funny that people get really stressed out about what to wear while sight-seeing in other countries. The hardest part for me is finding an outfit that works for a lots of different situations--say you're traveling around Italy. And you want to visit some cathedrals, go out to a nice lunch, do some shopping, and walk around a lot. You need something fancy enough for a nice restaurant, modest enough for a church, and comfortable enough for lots of walking and shopping. I have two go-to outfits for sightseeing: sundresses and tops+jeans, because they're both so versatile. I put together a jeans+top outfit here that would work for all of those situations, and still keep you looking cute.
J. Brand Bombshell Cigarette Jeans, $174 at shopbop.com, Frannie Camisole, $78 at anthropologie.com: As far as jeans go, I know at least in Europe wearing ratty, light jeans around will make you seem like more of a tourist. However, a clean pair of black jeans like this is great because you get the comfort of a jean (and these have a ton of stretch and a nice high waist), but you still get a very polished look. It's very Audrey Hepburn. And I love this white top. I am a huge fan of tops that are basic, but still have a fun and unique twist. This one is easy to style around, since it's white, and the sweetheart neckline and fitted waist are extremely flattering. It's a step up from a tee, but it's not too revealing (especially if paired with a little sweater or jacket).
Frye Melissa Button Boots, $328 at fryecompany.com, J. Crew Jenna Cardigan, $70 at jcrew.com: I'd do boots for sight-seeing. Flat sandals can lead to gross, dirty feet, and ballet flats always tear my feet to shreds. Please don't wear high heels around cobblestone streets. You will hate yourself. Flat boots are a great option because they have a formal feel, but they're comfortable and easy to walk in. The riding boots are very classic and polished, which works nicely with the vibe of the black jeans and the blouse, and they're a nice, rich leather, so they wear well and look very expensive. Then I'd add this navy blue cardigan on top. It adds a little warmth and coverage for, say, going in a church, plus it's cropped to a great length that highlights the waist and doesn't add any visual bulk. The navy adds a little color, but it's still a neutral, so you can wear it with a ton of other outfits.
Foley + Corinna Snake Chain Cross Body Bag, $425 at shopbop.com, Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers, $145 at shopbop.com: The only practical bag for sightseeing is a shoulder/cross-body bag. It keeps your hands free, but has lots of storage, and is hard to pickpocket from. I love this bag. It's leather, so it's sturdy, the black makes it versatile, and it has a bunch of little details that make it really fun. The chain on the strap and the zippers down the side add some edge, and the ruching adds an organic feel and some visual interest. It's a basic enough bag to wear with a ton of different outfits, but it still has some sass, and it's large enough to store a guidebook, camera, some snacks, your phone, etc, etc. I kind of want it for real life...As far as accessories go, lots of jewelry isn't so great for traveling. It can attract pickpockets (paranoid but totally true) and if you lose it in a foreign country, chances are you'll never find it. Sunglasses are a great way to accessorize an outfit as an alternative to jewelry. I like these over-sized Wayfarers because they're big enough to protect the skin around your eyes from the sun, and the classic style is flattering and goes with a lot of outfits.
Images via shopbop.com, jcrew.com, fryecompany.com.
OMGIT'SONLYELEVENOCLOCKANDIAMFALLINGASLEEP.
I need my naptime, y'all. So here's a super short post because, honestly, I'm going to sleep. I don't do mornings well.
Kenneth Jay Lane Coral and Jade Earrings, $44 at shopbop.com, Elie Tahari Catalynn Dress, $398 at shopbop.com, Diane von Furstenberg Tonda Sliced Leather Clutch, $365 at shopbop.com: Confession: I don't like jade--or things that look like jade--and I don't really do large earrings. But there's something about these oversized jade-esque earrings that makes me really want to have them on RIGHT NOW. The pattern and color are so ornate and vibrant, but the tiny cutouts keep the earrings from being too over the top. The orange adds an unexpected visual contrast that really makes them pop. I think these work because the motif of the carved jade is so Old World but statement earrings feel young and fresh. This LBD is the perfect work-to-cocktails dress. It's a universally flattering shape, since it's fitted at the waist and has a soft a-line skirt, and black is such a versatile color. The way I'd wear it for work is with a pair of heels in a soft neutral, maybe a dove grey, a short cardigan in a cobalt-navy blue, and a patent leather dark grey belt. Then for cocktails, take off the sweater and add a statement cuff and some sparkly earrings. Voila! I'm really not a clutch person, but I really like this little guy. It has a skinny chain shoulder strap, which is really handy. My pet peeve about clutches is that I always drop them. This solves that problem. The sportiness of the perforated leather works really nicely with the organic feel of the twig clasp, too.
Night, y'all.
Images via shopbop.com.
I'm ALIVEEE!!!! And one day soon I shall finish posting pictures of my room. I swear. But in the mean time here and some pretty things.
Lisa Stewart Modern Myth Gold & Enamel Bracelet, $75 at shopbop.com, MELINDA MARIA Marquise Cluster Studs, $98 at shopbop.com: I love anything with Greek key on it. It's so graphic and clean and classic but modern at the same time, so you can wear it a ton of different ways. I love this turquoise bangle version. The blue and gold are so fresh and punchy together, and the bangle is just the right size--big enough to be a statement but not so large as to be annoying. How cute are these earrings? I love jewelry like this, where there's a pretty, girly jewel in a rough, abstract, geometric setting. These are a fun alternative to the usual set of studs without being too over the top.
Alice + Olivia Odette Dress, $396 at shopbop.com, Noir Jewelry Pyramid Bangle Set, $132 at shopbop.com: Ahhh I want this dress! I die for simple but dramatic cocktail dresses, and this one would work for a ton of different occasions and body types. The fitted silhouette and emphasized waist create or emphasize an hourglass silhouette, the dark on bottom and patterned on top layout minimizes any lower body issues, and the lace print adds the perfect amount of drama and visual interest. Plus the ruffle adds to a smaller chest and the deep-v keeps larger chests from looking even bigger. You could dress it down with a cardigan and flat boots or dress it up with cocktail jewelry and platform heels. And it has a cutout back! I'd totally wear it with these stacked stud bangles. I love layered bracelets. They look so casual and thrown together, and the mixture of colors and sizes of studs keeps it all interesting.
Marc by Marc Jacobs Lady V Bag, $548 at shopbop.com, Sara Berman Emma Envelope Clutch, $377 at shopbop.com: The name of this bag is so appropriate. It's so lady-like. The shape is very frame-bag-esque and retro, but the slouchy leather adds a fun, modern twist. The light beige works with a lot of different color palettes and it's a nice, practical size. This cheetah clutch totally reminds me of a way more expensive Mulberry clutch that I've been craving, but for like $1000 less. The utilitarian size works well with the fun leopard, the hardware adds an industrial edge, and who doesn't love leopard?! Really now.
Images via shopbop.com.
It's almost spring! Almost. It's so close I can taste it. It's making me want adorable springy clothes and accessories in fun colors and prints. I found a few accessories that would go nicely with my sundresses piled up in my closet.
Pour La Victoire Maressa Flat Huarache Sandals, $195 at shopbop.com, Eugenia Kim Serena Leopard Bow Headband, $88 at shopbop.com, Cynthia Rowley Soft Wrapped Chain Bag, $200 at shopbop.com: I love me some coral. It's my favorite color of nail polish, and it would be SO cute in a shoe. I think braided huaraches are a really fun alternative to gladiators, and the pop of color from the coral is just so cute and unexpected. I wish I was the kind of girl that could wear a big hair bow without looking silly. I actually had a long conversation about this with someone the other day. My personal style does not mesh with hair bows. It makes me sad. But this oversized leopard print bow headband needs to be worn by someone, even if it's just me in the safety of my own room. My craving for little shoulder bags is still going strong, and the lovely, rich purple hue of this one is so fab. The tassel adds a cute, boho twist and the chain adds a fun amount of edge.
In a few days I'm going to a sorority sister's house to hang out and basically be a bum. My number 1 priority: Baking. I will be baking like there is no tomorrow. At home I stress-bake at least 3 times a week, but at school that's impossible, so all this baking impulse has built up in my brain and I need to bake for like 4 days. Here's what I'm thinking:
Brownies: I love me some fudgey cocoa brownies.
Chocolate Chip Cookies with Sea Salt: Chocolate chip cookies can be boring. But when you add some sea salt--bam! Crazy delicious.
Espresso Fudge Cookies: I don't think this needs explaining.
Coffee Cake: I usually make this without the rhubarb (although I love rhubarb) and at home it never makes it past two days before being entirely devoured. It is SO GOOD.
Cranberry Scones: Best scones ever. Including scones from fancy coffee shops and gourmet mixes. Legit amazing.
Cinnamon Rolls: I have been craving cinnamon rolls FOREVER.
Strawberry Rhubarb Pie with Crumble Topping: This is the biggest craving. I love pie, and this strawberry rhubarb pie with that crumble topping (crumble beats crust any day) is basically the best thing ever. No, really. I've never been able to have more than 1 piece of this pie because I turn around and it's been eaten in minutes.
Images via shopbop.com.
Last week = fail. Midterms = evil, and I totally had intentions of blogging like every night...and then I feel asleep. Oh, how I have missed sleep. But I have this week off, so back to normal y'all. Here's some cute stuff to get everyone through their Monday.
Nanette Lepore Candy Girl Dress, $298 at shopbop.com, Marc by Marc Jacobs Bianca Pave Bow Ring, $68 at shopbop.com, Wildfox Midnight Snack Tee, $77 at shopbop.com: This dress is SO CUTE. Agh. The fit is very sex-bomb, screen siren, body con, etc, but the print is so girly, springy, adorably retro. This dress is great because you can dress it down with some flat sandals and a little leather jacket, and you can dress it up with a cardigan and some platform heels. I'm not one for cutesy jewelry, but this bow ring strikes the perfect balance between quirky and chic, and I love anything with some sparkle. I want to wear this shirt to sleep and then get up and eat a midnight snack in it. Too funny.
Botkier Maddie Shoulder Bag, $295 at shopbop.com, Wildfox 17th Century Girl Tee, $77 at shopbop.com, Funktional Wild Blossom Dress, $118 at shopbop.com: While I'm always a big fan of oversized totes because I carry wayyy too much stuff around with me, the idea of a little across the body bag is strangely appealing. Maybe it's the hands-free aspect, maybe it's the cute little studs and the drapey, hobo shape, or the mildly reasonable price tag, but I want this bag. Oh, Wildfox. Again, you are so overpriced, but yet so adorable. I love the Marie Antoinette-esque girl drawn on the front, but the cutest part is on the back. It says 'I love' in French and then lists things like parties, candy, BFFs, soldiers, romance, castles, etc, etc. AKA story of my life. It's hard to see here, but the shoulder detail on that dress is adorable, little loops of fabric sliding off and on the shoulder. I like the sassiness of the sleeves against the quiet floral print and simple cut of the dress.
All images via shopbop.com.
I don't know about all of you girls, but this week has been difficult, to say the least. To the point where when my phone today I almost burst into tears on the subway (the ultimate in pathetic. It's a phone. For crying out loud--pun intended). Oh, and on that note, should I get an iPhone or another Blackberry? I'm so torn.
So the level of what I can handle writing about today is pretty things that I want. Nothing revolutionary, but I think we all need a little end of week pick-me-up.
Rebecca Minkoff Navajo Studs Flame Satchel, $425 at shopbop.com, Ray-Ban Vagabond Sunglasses, $145 at shopbop.com: I realize that this bag is mildly tasteless and will be completely out of fashion in like 6 months. But I really want it. I like the studs, I like the print, I even like the tassels. The clean, structured shape balances out all that drama nicely, and the shoulder strap is really convenient. How Jackie-O fabulous are those sunglasses? I love the elongated, cat-eye shape and the retro simplicity of the tortoiseshell frame. The shape would be flattering on a variety of faces, and they're just so...cool.
Images via shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com.
So I was a fail blogger yesterday. I was in the middle of writing a theory paper about transnational migration theory and then I went to sleep and completely forgot about blogging. Fail. But today I'm on top of it! Here are my wants:
Pottery Barn Faux Fur Throw: Okay, so this isn't for sale anymore, but a friend of mine has it and I WANT IT. It's a plush, suede-like material on one side and then on the other side it's a fluffy faux fur. It's so warm and cozy, but it looks so glam and fabulous. I want to snuggle with it. I've tried to steal it from my friend, but she's not having it.
See by Chloe Yate Clutch, $95 at endless.com: This is so cute. I just want to hug it. I'm not really a clutch person, but this one is so cute and well-priced that it needs to be mine. The shape and hue are very practical and easy to wear, but the bow adds an adorable girly twist, and then the metal takes it to a rock and roll glam sort of place.
Ginger + Liz Polish in Reality Bites, Swagger, and Prima Donna, all $12 at gingerandliz.com: All of the Ginger + Liz polishes are vegan and eco-friendly (yay!) and they come in the coolest colors. No but like really. Best colors ever. Reality Bites is cream polish in a coral with tangerine highlights. I love this color because it's a fun, bright, springy color but it's not glaring like a neon. Swagger is a metallic rose gold. I LOVE metallic polishes. Love. The usual gold ones are cute, but the pink twist with this one makes it so much more interesting and so much younger and more flattering. Prima Donna is a metallic pink with lavender undertones. I want this. I want this a lot. It's such a cool color! The pinky purple is all cute and girly, and then you throw in the metallic twist and BAM it's all high fashion and quirky chic.
Images from pbteen.com, endless.com, gingerandliz.com.
