My New Favorite Boots: Frye Vera Hiker

I am really weird when it comes to shoes.  Mainly in that I have very expensive taste with a very non-expensive budget, which makes me sad, so I just don't buy shoes often.  In my attempts to actually buy shoes (I was honestly that California girl in the Rainbow sandals for an embarassingly long time), I try to save up and then splurge a bit once or a year or so on a pair of Fryes--and then wear them to pieces.  My current Fryes in rotation are the Frye Jane's in Redwood, which are just the most beautiful boots, and these Vera Hikers in brown that I got for Christmas (thanks mom!).

The reason I wanted these boots was that I like the versatility I get from having a pair of short and a pair of tall boots.  My last pair of short boots was more on the cowboy side, and I wanted to try something a bit more rustic and a bit less western without getting these, which basically everyone at my school has.

I love, love, love these boots.  They look like a retro hiking boot, but the oversize tongue, upturned toe, and the 2 inch heel give them a bit of a modern, edgy twist.  I've gotten so many compliments on them already!  Some of my Fryes have taken weeks to break in properly, but these I could wear easily right out of the box.  They have a rubber sole for traction, which is perfect, and are easily to get on and off with the laces.  I can wear these all day without my feet getting tired or annoyed.

I like to pair these with tights and nubby men's socks.  The simple, slightly old school feel of these boots means that they can work with lots of different outfits and styles--I like these with a little leather jacket and a cute little dress because they can ground even the girliest of dresses, but they're also cute with a colorful mini and a sweater.  Overall, I really recommend these.  They aren't cheap, but they're the best combination of timeless and on trend, and you can absolutely feel the quality. 

ALSO!  If you live somewhere snowy and cold, totally get these instead.  They come shearling lined!  I think they're so cute, and they would be SO WARM AND COMFY.

  

Image via countryoutfitters.com, zappos.com.

Outfit of the Day

So it's cold in Boston--per usual--and as always, I am in denial.  Perpetual denial.  This is what I wore today.  It is currently 46 degrees outside.  Denial!

Sweater: J Crew (about three years ago), shirt: Stradivarius in Spain, skirt: J Crew factory Accordion Pleat Mini in Dahlia, tights: Hue, boots: Frye Carmen Harness Short.  Apologies for the horrible lighting, we have the sad energy-saving bulbs that don't really make light.

The skirt was originally $70, and I got it for $30 on sale.  Yay!  I love the cheerful fuchsia color of the skirt.  I'm usually a 4 in J Crew factory skirts, but I went up a size because I wanted the silhouette of the skirt to be more of an a-line.  The waist is elastic, making it super comfy, and easy to wear both higher and lower on the waist.  The skirt has two deep pockets, and it's a wool/poly blend.  It has the warmth of wool but isn't too thick or itchy.  Overall I really love it--it's sold out, but J Crew factory currently has 30% off everything and free shipping!

I paired it with a white, 3/4 sleeve shirt I got in Spain.  Since the skirt is such a statement color, I wanted to keep the top neutral.  The sweater is a marled black and white knit with a shawl collar that's really cozy and warm.  I like that it tones down the girliness of the skirt a bit.  The short boots add a little of a rustic, casual twist.

Speaking of shoes, I am constantly struggling to find shoes that I like that aren't sandals or boots.  Literally all of my shoes are sandals or boots.  No flats, no sneakers (aside from gym shoes).  I used to have a pair of Topsiders, but they aren't really me, and I'm definitely not a ballet flat or a Converse person.  I stumbled across this pair of suede tuxedo loafers from DV, and I think I need them.  They're on sale for $62.99 from Zappos right now.  They also come in black, which I'd probably buy, but how cute is the pink?!  I want them.  I like that they're a little retro, a little men's smoking jacket-esque, and very practical.

Image via zappos.com.

Summer Steals: Target Winifred Braided Sandals

A few months ago, a friend of mine was wearing these adorable sandals.  I asked her where she got them, expecting her to say something like Kitson or some little local store in Austin, where she's from (because they look like something a little local brand would make, or the Kitson interpretation of that sort of thing).  But she said Target.  I don't usually look for shoes at Target because they honestly haven't been that great in the past. 

But the other week I was in Target running errands, and I ran into those sandals.  They are so cheap!  Given, they aren't real leather, but at $15, who cares.  They come in coral, blue, and a natural brown, and have braided faux-leather straps that adjust around the ankle.

Target Winifred Braided Flat Sandal, $14.99 at target.com: I picked up the brown version, since I figured I'd get the most wear out of them.  What I love about these sandals is that they look very elegant on (I would demonstrate with a picture, but my feet aren't that pretty).  The straps are pretty minimal, but the braiding adds a lot of visual interest.  It's a refreshing alternative to gladiators, and despite how they look, they are very comfy and they stay on the foot really well.  The sole is pretty thin and has no arch support, but again, it's $15.  That said, the quality of the sandal is pretty good for the price--I've worn them pretty constantly for a month and they are holding up nicely.

Here are the other two colors--I really want to pick up the pink!  And the blue.  Basically all of them.

Long story short: these are a great deal, super comfortable, and look really nice on.  You can wear them with a floaty sundress for an earthy touch, or with a cute colorful skirt and top for a beachy twist.  They're the perfect summer sandal because they're versatile, you can get all the colors, and if you lose or break them, it's not a big deal ($15!).

Images via target.com.

Craving: Heeled Campus Boots

So I watched 'The Devil Wears Prada' this weekend, and there was this one scene in the intro where this girl is wearing heeled campus boots, just like the ones below.  Now, I'm not a heels person, I feel like a giant enough already, but that kind of heeled boot...it calls to me. I wants it.  I put together an outfit around a pair of boots like that to legitimize my cravings (of course).



7 For All Mankind The Skinny Legging Jeans, $168 at shopbop.com, Frye Harlow Campus Pull-on Boots, $358 at shopbop.com: How cute are those boots?! The stacked heel is just over 4", which would be a bit impractical if these boots didn't have rugged, easy to walk on soles and squishy foot beds.  I'll all about adding a little practical sexy to the daytime wardrobe, and these fit the bill.  The leather is a lovely, thick warm brown but has this amazing tumbled texture that keeps them from being too dominatrix and too polished for daytime.  In sort, they are perfect and I must has them.  I'd wear them with simple black legging jeans.  With heels that high, you need a basic color and a slim cut to keep them from being too over the top (plus those 7 legging jeans are ridiculously comfy).

Soft Joie Maitza Top, $98 at shopbop.com, tuleste market Tufted Diamond Pendant Necklace, $60 at shopbop.com: As far as tops go, the jeans and the boots have such structured, clean lines and basic colors that for the top I'd do something more fluid and in a fun, bright color.  This top has a lovely shape, with the oversized body balancing out the draped shoulders and scoop neckline.  It's flirty without showing cleavage, which is great, and it hits at a good place on the hip, not too low.  To top it all off, I'd add this tuleste market necklace.  It's a lot of look with minimal effort, the geometric shape contrasts nicely with the more Grecian top, and the black ties in with the black jeans.

Images via shopbop.com.

Daydreaming: Outfits for Spain

I'm just thinking of outfits for me to wear next semester in Spain at this point.  This is the kind of thing I want to wear while bouncing around old buildings in the city center and drinking cappuccinos in sunlit plazas.

Every Thursday Dress, $47.99 at modcloth.com, Antik Batik Akan Stone Flat Sandals, $120 at shopbop.com: I'm realizing that there is a hole in my closet--a fitted sun/daydress-sized hole.  I have a ton of little dresses with a-line skirts, but for some reason, I'm really craving dresses that are more fitted.  This Modcloth dress is ADORABLE.  I like the silky fabric, the way it drapes and has a subtle sheen, and I like the adjustable waist-tie, which creates a really flattering shape.  The tomato red is classic but fresh and works for a lot of complexions.  Plus the shape is just great--it hugs the body without clinging to it too much, has an interesting neckline, and hides any stomach bulge.  For daytime, I'd do this with a pair of flat but embellished sandals.  These Antik Batik sandals are nice because they're fancy enough to go with the polished vibe of the dress, but still low-key enough to be daytime appropriate.  The crystals add a little fun and glamour, and their pink tone ties them in with the dress.

Kenneth Jay Lane Golden Shadow Earrings, $60 at shopbop.com, Ray-Ban Modern Wayfarers, $139 at shopbop.com: I like the idea of keeping this outfit relatively simple and clean to let the draping do the talking.  For jewelry, I'd do this simple pair of oversized studs.  They're a basic shape, so they have a classic feel, but since they're slightly oversized they're a bit more playful and eccentric.  I'd top it all off with a giant pair of sunglasses--when are giant sunglasses not a great addition to any outfit?--and these are a nice neutral shape with a basic brown frame.  Plus I have them and they are totally fab.

Images via modcloth.com, polyvore.com, shopbop.com.

Casual Pencil Skirt?

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,

Cute Sundress for Less than $20?

I love weekends.  I really love three-day weekends.  I slept till 11 today.  It was beautiful.  Anyways, here are some pretty things:



Forever 21 Summer Tiki Dress, $17.80 at forever21.com, Frye Kara Trapunto T-Strap, $136.80 at zappos.com: I picked up this dress a week or so ago at Forever 21, and I love it.  First off, it's less than $20.  That's a win in my book.  It's not the sturdiest dress in the world, but it costs less than going out to dinner, so I've accepted it.  The cut is adorable, a flattering sweetheart neckline, fitted to the waist, a-line skirt.  The print is a little on the funky/tribal side, but I think it's really fun and festive.  Plus, since the print has so many colors, it makes the dress easy to accessorize.  I like to pull out the brown in the print with a brown leather belt and a pair of brown heels like these.  It feels very summery and easygoing, but at the same time it looks very polished and chic.

 Mod Cloth Object of Confection Dress, $94.99 at modcloth.com: Last night I was telling a friend about how I'm making pumpkin spice cupcakes today, and mentioned how I'm really a closet '50s housewife.  And then she turns to me and goes, "sweetie, you've been out of the closet on that one for a while."  So, in keeping with my repressed retro tendencies, how cute is this polka dot dress?  I love the shape, with the sweet little neckline and the slight a-line skirt.  The polka dots and layers on the skirt make it look like a little wedding cake, but the red hue keeps it from feeling to formal and bridal.

Images via forever21.com, zappos.com,

What I'd Like to be Wearing to Work

I am the worst with dressing for work.  In theory, I have all these adorable outfits that I'd wear, but in reality, I just wear what I already have, which is lots of cardigans and sundresses.  Gah.  But people at my office wear JEANS.  It's so weird to me.  Anyways, here's one of those theoretical outfits I'd wear to work.  I really like slightly '50s, retro work ensembles (Joan Holloway = my icon) with a slightly modern twist.


J. Crew Ruthie Shirtdress, $118 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Skinny Patent Belt, $34.50 at jcrew.com: This J. Crew shirtdress is ADORABLE.  It's a lovely camel color, which is very of the moment but also flattering and versatile.  The cut works well for a lot of body types--it's fitted through the smallest part of your torso, and glides over the lower body.  The elbow-length sleeves add a hint of sweetness to the utilitarian feel of a shirtdress.  To add even more emphasis to the waist, I'd do a skinny patent leather belt.  The patent gives it a bit of an urban edge, and a cinched-in waist is always a good look.

GUESS Osten Heels, $99 at zappos.com, J. Crew Oval Heirloom Locket Necklace, $50 at jcrew.com: For a bit of modern sass, I'd do a suede platform heel in this lovely ruby red.  The rich visual texture of the suede adds a sense of warmth and luxury that livens up the shirtdress, and the pop of color from the red is just so fun and girly.  To top it all off, I like this vintage-y locket necklace.  It works with the general '50s feel, and adds a personal touch (since generally you put adorable family/pet pictures in lockets.  I would totally have my dog and my pony).

So what do y'all wear to work?  Jeans? (just kidding)

Images via jcrew.com, zappos.com.

Outfit of the Day (In My Head)

Sorry for not blogging yesterday, y'all.  It was my birthday!  I'm 20.  I feel old.  It's freaking me out not to be a teenager anymore.  Ack.  Anyways, here's what I wish I was wearing today (and what I actually wore at the bottom):

 Cool as Icing Dress, $79.99 at modcloth.com, Ray-Ban Modern Wayfarers, $139 at shopbop.com: Ahhh this is dress is so cute.  It reminds me of a Taylor Swift music video, but less corny.  The cut is extremely flattering--anything fitted through the torso and waist like that will emphasize the smallest part of you, and the slightly flared skirt creates an hourglass silhouette without overemphasizing what's already there.  And then you have the adorable detailing, with the cutout geometric and lace shapes.  It's a bit like those paper Day of the Dead garlands, but wearable.  I'd do a cute little sundress like that one with sassy, big sunglasses.  I actually just got these for myself for my birthday (they should be here in a day or two!  Yipee).  The soft brown of the shades works nicely with the sweetness of the dress.  I really love the shape of these glasses.  It's a little retro-cat-eye/sassy, and has the same classic but modern feel as the original Wayfarers, but the shape isn't as round, so they'll work better on rounder faces.  I have a squareish-oval (squoval?) face, so round sunglasses just make my face look rounder, whereas more rectangular frames like these are more flattering.  The inverse works if you have a really angular face, rounder sunglasses can soften that up.

Club Monaco Harper Braided Belt, $79.99 at shopbop.com, Frye Kara Trapunto T Strap, $159.60 at zappos.com: I belt everything.  I'd add a belt here for some visual contrast.  The skinny belt works because it doesn't detract from or cover-up the intricate detailing at the waist, and the warm brown and homey vibe of the braid go perfectly with the rustic, simple feel of the dress.  Ahhh I also want these shoes.  I can't justify buying them, but aren't they so sweet?  I love the idea of daytime heels.  These feel so sweet and retro with the t-straps and the soft brown leather, but the platform and chunky heel add a bit of sass.  All in all these heels would add a little height and glamour, but still keep the overall vibe down-to-earth.

And here's what I actually wore today: the shirt is from H&M, the skirt is Ann Taylor Loft, the belt is vintage, the necklace is Forever21, and the sandals are Franco Sarto.  Yayyy for work-appropriate outfits.

Images via shopbop.com, zappos.com, modcloth.com.

Channeling Mad Men

I came to the realization today that I need more big girl work clothes.  Like sheath dresses and pencil skirts.  Those things scare me.  But it had to be done.  So I went into Anne Taylor Loft today (I know, I know, but they have cute work clothes) and picked up a pencil skirt and some other basics.  I felt very old.  It was weird.

Anne Taylor Loft Sateen Straight Skirt, $49.50 at loft.com, Schutz Open Toe Nubuck Pumps, $152.60 at shopbop.com: So I picked up this skirt today.  It's really much cuter in person.  It's a medium grey with a little bit of a sheen, it has a little stretch, it's a nice length, and it's comfy.  My only issue with it is that it's built for someone with a little boy's torso.  Seriously.  Straight up and down.  I dropped it off at the tailor today to get almost 6 inches taken out of the waist.  Yeesh.  Anyways, I've been thinking of cute little outfits to wear around this skirt.  I'd add these mauve platforms.  They're neutral enough to be work appropriate, but the color is still a little offbeat, and the platform makes them comfy.  Plus the suede texture adds visual interest.

Anne Taylor Loft 3/4 Sleeve Crew Neck Cardigan, $39.50 at loft.com, Anne Taylor Loft Rib Tank, $7.25 at loft.com: Obviously if you're going the retro, pencil skirt, Mad Men route, you have to have a little cropped cardigan.  I picked this up today too, and I really like it.  The sleeves are nice and fitted, and it actually hits me at the waist, which makes for a much more flattering cut.  The black and the slate from the skirt play together nicely.  For a pop of color, I'd do this coral tank.  It's fitted and simple, so it'll fall cleanly under the cardigan, and the pretty pink is sweet and feminine, but not too much to wear to the office.

Anne Taylor Loft Braided Jeans Belt, $39.50 at loft.com, Adia Kibur Jumbo Pretzel Necklace, $48 at shopbop.com: To highlight the waist even more (can you ever do that enough?), I like this braided belt.  The black keeps it from being too over the top, and the rustic, braided texture adds a slightly earthy twist to the ensemble.  Lastly, I'd finish it off with a piece of statement jewelry.  This twisted, knotted necklace gives the outfit a quirky vibe.  It's a little offbeat, but not so much that you can't wear it to work, and the gold would be lovely with the pink tank.

Images via shopbop.com, loft.com.

My Three Favorite Things Today

I went by Sephora today and grabbed a new liquid liner, which I am currently testing and will review tomorrow, but in the meantime, here are my two favorite things from today.


See by Chloe Embellished Velvet Sandals, $315 at net-a-porter.com, Philosophy Vanilla Birthday Cake Shower Gel, $16 at sephora.com: I love velvet.  I love glitter.  I love platform heels.  These shoes are the trifecta of happy for me.  They're cute and slightly retro, with the ankle strap, they're a little opulent with the velvet and a little glam with the crystal, and the price is decent.  Me want.  Since it's my birthday month, I got this free little gift at Sephora.  It's Vanilla Birthday Cake scented shower gel from Philosophy, and I got a six ounce one for free (the picture is 16 oz).  It smells like cake.  Like it actually smells like the birthday cake I got when I was little.  It's making me very happy.  It's also making me crave cake.  Really badly.  Kind of a problem.  It's actually a combo shower gel-shampoo-bubble bath, but since I have color treated hair I'm not using it as shampoo, and I don't really take baths, so it's a shower gel.  As for as being a shower gel, I really like it.  It lathers up really nicely, it moisturizes pretty well, and it leaves just enough of a yummy cake smell behind to make me happy.  All in all, I would buy a Philosophy shower gel if I liked it enough.  Maybe not this scent, since it's kind of sweet and not that exciting, but another scent definitely.

This is a little on the random side, but I made cookies the other day and I'm eating one now, and they're just so good that I had to share the recipe with y'all.  I know you're rolling your eyes at me, but SERIOUSLY.  MAKE THE COOKIES.

Recipe for the Best Chocolate Chip Cookies EVER:
-cream 1 stick softened butter with 2/3 cup packed brown sugar and 1/2 granulated sugar until light and fluffy
-stir in 1 egg and 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
-in another bowl sift together 1-1/3 cups flour (I like whole wheat or unbleached), 1/2 tsp. baking soda, and 1 tsp. sea salt
-stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined
-stir in 1-1/3 dark/semi-sweet chocolate chips (and optional, 1 cup pecans, coarsely chopped)
-chill (in the freezer is fastest) for at least 1 hour.  This prevents spreading and keeps the cookies fluffy.
-bake at 350F for 10-12 minutes, or until slightly golden brown (take them out right before you think they're done, since they'll still keep cooking for a minute or two).


No joke, these cookies are magical.  They will turn out perfectly every time, and they will make you new friends and make people fall in love with you.  You thin

How Not to Look Like a Tourist

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.