Things I'm Loving at the Moment

And now, for another episode of things I bought myself and liked.

Ray-Ban Vagabond Sunglasses in Havana Texture, $150 at ray-ban.com: I keep thinking that buying nicer sunglasses will keep from from doing dumb things like breaking or losing them...I was wrong.  I sat on my Wayfarers, and the damage is probably fixable, but definitely not by me.  That's why birthdays are great!  I got myself a new pair of sunglasses (to be fair, I have lots of scar tissue on my eyes from a bad case of pink eye, and I am basically blind in the sun, but buying another pair still makes my wallet cry).  I was thinking of getting the oversized Wayfarers, but then I saw these little guys, and decided that I wanted to do something different--don't get me wrong, I love Wayfarers, but it seems like everyone and their aunt has one by this point.
   
They have a pretty tortoiseshell pattern in a soft brown, with dark brown lenses and exposed nail heads at the temples.  The frame is a cute, modified cat-eye.

And now the requisite unflattering face shots.  I really like these sunglasses, guys!  They're pretty wide at the temples, so they create the illusion that my face is thinner (yay), the brown is more flattering than black against pale skin, and the silhouette is a nice combination of modern and '50s inspired.  I wholeheartedly recommend these!  But if you have a very narrow face, they might be too big--they really are wide at the temples.

Voluspa Santiago Huckleberry Candle, $26 at anthropologie.com: I lusted after this candle for a LONG time.  I saw it at Anthropologie, thought it was super pretty and smelled amazing, balked at the price tag, and walked out of the store (about 10 times) before I finally cracked.  I painted my newest room (college y'all) a grey-purple, and I thought that the purple of the candle would look really pretty on my nightstand.  Also, I kind of like to collect candles and leave them out so my room smells pretty.  This one has a 100 hour burning time, is made of coconut wax, and has notes of huckleberry, vanilla, and sugarcane.  It smells sweet, spicy, and juicy, burns cleanly, and has great sillage--my entire room fills up with the scent.  Given, I'm only burning it like once a month because I want it to last forever, but 100 hours is pretty decent.  So is this the best value for money?  No, probably not.  But if you like the aesthetics, you like the scent, and you want to splurge a bit, this is a great buy.

Image via candlesoffmain.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.

Modern Wayfarers

So I bought myself a birthday present.  I'm really good at doing that.  In fact, I do it year-round.  Aha.  Anyways, I got myself some Ray-Ban sunglasses, and they finally came, so of course I had to take pictures of myself wearing them and making silly faces and blog about it.


#1: see, we're doing pretty well, I'm making a normal face (which I totally struggle with that close to a mirror).  #2: I can't resist the urge to make silly fish faces.  Ever.  Cute.  I know.

These are the Modern Wayfarers from Ray-Ban in brown.  Now, I've had bad luck with Ray-Bans.  My aviators fell apart, and my Wayfarers were always way too big, and also fell apart.  But Shopbop has a great return policy and free shipping, so I took the plunge.  They're a sturdy plastic frame with gradient lenses.  What I loved right off the bat is that these fit very firmly on my face.  They aren't slipping off.  I could probably go running in them.  They're a nice, warm dark brown, which I find a lot more flattering than black.

My favorite part, though, is the shape.  They're an updated Wayfarer, meaning that they're a slightly larger lens with a more rectangular shape instead of the usual circular.  Plus they go out more at the temples for a slight cat-eye effect, which I love (so sassy!).  I think the more rectangular frames are much more flattering on my rounder face.  They still have the iconic Wayfarer look, but with a bit of a Jackie O twist.  Overall I'm super pleased with this purchase.  I've been wearing them every day, and have gotten a ton of compliments.


I got these from Shopbop because they have fast free shipping and free return shipping.  They come with a Ray-Ban case and a cleaning cloth.

Birthday Wants

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.

Pre-Summer Cravings

The weather hit 60 degrees today, so obviously all I can think about today is summer, and all the things I want to wear for summer time.  Which is unfortunate, because there is actually still snow on the ground in Boston.  HOW DOES THIS EVEN WORK WEATHERWISE?  I don't understand. Bleh.  Here are some pretty summery things:


Kim Kardashian, Frye Catrin Trapunto Sandals, on sale fore $123 at zappos.com: I need to be more adventurous with my hair styles.  I have very, very thick, slippery hair that refuses to do much more than go into a ponytail (and a rebellious ponytail at that).  But I have a soft spot for cute little braids, a la LC from the Hills.  I love the bombshell waves Kim is working here, and the skinny braids poking out add such a fun, boho twist on the look that I'm going to have to try this look.  If these shoes came in my size still, I would have ordered them already.  I need more shoes, heels especially, and I love the idea of a casual heel.  The medium brown is so versatile, the platform and thick heel makes these practical, and the thick straps are so boho-sassy.  These with a little white sundress = heaven.

Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers, $145 at shopbop.com, MAC Freckletone Lipstick, $14.50 at maccosmetics.com: I promise I will stop blogging oversized Wayfarers.  Eventually.  Maybe.  I just love them so much but can't justify buying them because I 
have two pairs of Ray-Bans already...but I want them.  Cry.  I think oversized sunglasses with a structured shape like these are so flattering and so glamorous.  Plus (my favorite part) they are so great for people watching!  Nobody knows that you're looking at them in these.  I realize that sounds mildly creepy, but you all know what I'm talking about, right?  I've been searching for a good nude lipstick for a while now.  Lipstick in general scares me, because I literally only wear lip balm and the occasional pink lip gloss, but there's something so appealing in warm weather about a nude, natural peachy-pink lip.  Especially with the winged eyeliner that I like to wear--a red lip would be far too retro fab.

 Coconut Iced Coffee, Benefit Hoola Bronzing Powder, $28 at sephora.com: Check out that recipe from Coconut Iced Coffee.  It looks SO GOOD.  I love me some iced coffee, and coconut seems like such a fun, tropical twist.  I need a tan like it's nobodies business, but my epic paranoia of skin cancer and fear of spray tanners leaves me with limited options.  I've been craving Benefit's Hoola for a while now (I may actually buy it this time kids!).  It's the perfect matte bronzer, just warm enough and not too orange, and it's ideal for contouring and adding an overall glow.

Images via glamour.com, zappos.com, shopbop.com, smartpoppy.au, sephora.com.

End of Week Ramble

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.

Mary Green Sleeping Beauty Eye Mask, $25 at shopbop.com, Alice + Olivia Tie-Dye Silk-Georgette Dress, $295 at net-a-porter.com: I need one of these.  So badly.  I can sleep through basically anything, but it's so hard to fall asleep when one of your roommates is cramming late for a test and has a bunch of lights on (just a hypothetical situation).  I want a glam, cute solution to having to bury my face under a pillow, and this is it.  The pale pink is adorable, but the black gives it a nice edge, and the 'sleeping beauty' thing is so sweet.  Also confidence boosting in the early morning.  For the longest time I thought this dress was plaid.  Which was really cute.  But the fact that it's tie-dye that doesn't look overly hippie-tastic or granola-y is kind of awesome.  It's like minimalist, abstract tie-dye, and that works so well with the simple cut of the dress.

Images via shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com.

Friday Hearts

Next week...next week is finals.  Ah.  I die.  Not in a good way.  Posting about things that I want is about the only thing making me happy right now.  So, another post of pretty things Megan wants.  Surprise!


Marc by Marc Jacobs Save the Birds Snow Bunting Donna Ring, $98 at shopbop.com, Joie Bittersweet B Top, $168 at shopbop.com: I thought this ring was a red teardrop, and that was cute, but then I realized it was really a little birdie, and that's ADORABLE.  Y'all know I love little animal jewelry, and I love this subtle, simple version.  I definitely can't wear a shirt with this many ruffles on the chest, but if I could, this would be adorable.  It has a slight fiesta vibe, and would work equally well dressed-up with a pencil skirt and dressed down with jeans.

Ray-Ban Wayfafer Sunglasses, $135 at shopbop.com, J. Crew Cashmere Getaway Hoodie, $188 at jcrew.com: I don't understand how these are 'Wayfarers' but I really like the rectangular shape and the gradiated frames.  They're the perfect mixture of modern and retro, no?  This J. Crew cashmere hoodie is perfect for traveling.  It's the sort of light piece that you can throw on for the plane, that keeps you warm but folds up to nothing, and that comes in a variety of neutral hues to go with the entire contents of your suitcase.

J. Crew Double-gauze Sleep Shirt, $78 at jcrew.com, J. Crew Starlet Dot Ruched Underwire Tank, $86 at jcrew.com: This sleep shirt is fantastic (also fantastically overpriced, but what the heck).  It looks like a plaid lumberjack's shirt, but when done as a nightie it's adorably boy-meets-girl.  Roll up the sleeves and throw on some slippers and hang out in that around the house all day, and look cute but feel cozy.  This swimsuit belongs in my life.  It's so sweetly retro, the underwire cups and ruched sides are very flattering, the bow-halter and polka dots are so fun and '50s-inspired.  It also comes in blue and orange, but in red--I would die.

Images from shopbop.com and jcrew.com.

My Xmas List

First off, I want to make sure no one assumes my parents will be buying me all of these things.  I will probably end up buying half of it for myself.  If I'm lucky.  Anyways, here are some of the things that I want for Christmas.


Pink iPod Nano 8 GB, $139.95 at amazon.com: I really, really need a new iPod.  Mine is basically a useless brick at this point.  I tend to sleep with my iPod (mind out of the gutter), and since it's an iPod Touch, me falling asleep on the touch screen makes it basically unable for the iPod for function without me sitting on top of it.  Which just isn't practical for daily life.  I like this iPod because it's tiny and pink, it has a touch screen (but a small one that would be harder for me to break!), and it has a clip on the back for me to clip on to my shirt when I'm running!  Such a win.

MAC Eyeshadow in Sable, $14.50 at maccosmetics.com: Sable is a gold-plum shadow with bronze pearl (veluxe pearl finish), and it's basically everything that I wanted Satin Taupe to be.  It' a warm, deep but versatile basic shade that would look great with my hazel eyes, and could work as a lid or a crease shade.

Frye Carmen Harness Short, $298 at fryeboots.com: Y'all know I want these.  They're so pretty.  They're nice and rugged without being too mannish, and the little heel is so sassy.  I love the tapping sound these make when you walk, and with these heels I'll be 5'11.  Ack!  So tall.  I will probably end up buying these for myself. 

Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers, $139 at revolveclothing.com: Yes, I know, I have the regular Wayfarers and the aviators, but...I want these.  The oversized shape makes them so darn chic, and they look just like the Audrey Hepburn ones from Breakfast at Tiffanys. 

J. Brand Jeggings, $139 at shopbop.com: I'm caving.  I want jeggings.  BUT just to wear with boots, I swear.  They're just so easy to tuck into boots without looking bulky.  I love these J. Brand jeggings because they look like real jeans, with zippers and back pockets and everything, but they feel like pajamas.  And that's always a plus.

Love Me Sugar Paris Boudoir Eye Mask, $15 at etsy.com:

Viv & Ingird Horseshoe Earrings, $65 at vivandingrid.com: I've had a pair of Viv & Ingrid earrings for the past year, and I wear them basically every day.  They're basically indestructible.  I wore them for 6 months straight after I pierced my ears, and they never got lose or fell out.  I love that these are tiny horseshoes, one because I ride, and two because they're a little good luck charm to carry around with you all day.

ASTARS Ventura Highway Top, $66 at alpinestars.com: I've decided this is the best t-shirt ever.  I got it a year ago and I've basically worn it to pieces.  It's flattering, it's comfy, and it works for day and night.  I know $66 is a lot for a shirt, but trust me, this one is so, so worth it.

Images from amazon.com, amanda11762.blogspot.com, fryeboots.com, revolveclothing.com, shopbop.com, etsy.com, vivandingrid.com, alpinestars.com.

Retail Therapy

 Sometimes when I get to that really burnt out, stressed, tired/grumpy place during midterms/finals, I like to buy myself things to make me feel better.  I know it's terrible, but it's sad how much better a new nail polish can make me feel about having to write a 7 page Medieval Spanish Lit paper (yep, that was my weekend).  Here are some of the things that I want to buy myself right now.

Rebecca Minkoff Charm Mini Bag, $225 at shopbop.com: I'm really warming up to the idea of shoulder bags with long straps, like this little Rebecca Minkoff bag.  It's affordable, it has a girly shape with some sassy detailing, it has a practical turnlock closure, and it's small enough to be easy to deal with, but it's still a versatile size.  Also I'm just dying for a little Chanel shoulder bag, but this is a much more realistic option.

Elizabeth & James Fairfax Sunglasses, $185 at shopbop.com: I LOVE THESE CAT EYE SUNGLASSES.  The shape is just so cute and retro and refreshing when basically all everyone is wearing nowadays are aviators and some variation on Wayfarers (guilty on both counts).  The slightly tortoiseshell frame adds to the retro effect, but the wire arms keep it all from being too heavy and intense.

Essie Polish in Smokin' Hot, $3.75 at amazon.com: This polish is from the winter collection and I am 100% picking it up on Wednesday when I finally get to go to Ulta.  Smokin' Hot is a grey-mauve-taupe.  Here's a good swatch.  I'm really feeling it because it's offbeat but polished and wintery, and it manages to not be a stereotypical color without resorting to being ugly.  Plus warm purpley greys are so much more flattering on me than cool-toned grays. 

Images from shopbop.com, shopbop.com, amazon.com.

Cozy and Chic

I had a really long conversation with one of my friends today about dressing for class.  She'd rather be comfy than go through the effort of putting together an outfit, and generally goes for sweats and leggings.  I think you can be comfy and still look pulled together.  She doesn't believe me.  Hm.  My philosophy behind not wearing sweats and such to class is that like it or not, your professors will judge you based on it.  If they're considering you for an internship, thinking about how prepared you are for class, or writing you a recommendation, and the picture they have of your in your head is of you with bedhead, sweats, Uggs, and no makeup, you're doing yourself a disservice.  If you looked pulled-together, people tend to assume that you are.  So fake it.  Here's an outfit I put together that you could wear to class, look cute in, and still feel cozy.

American Apparel Tri-blend V-neck, $22 at americanapparelstore.com, Patterson J. Kincaid Patricia Cardigan, $218 at shopbop.com: These American Apparel v-necks are great.  The slightly boxy body is balanced out by the deep v-neck, the material is really soft, and the basic colors go with everything.  I'd go down a size and pair it with this Patterson J. Kincaid cardigan.  The warm burgundy hue adds a nice fall twist, the wool/alpaca blend is warm and practical, and it's an oversized sweater.  That's the definition of comfy.  The deep v-neck keeps it all from being too frumpy, as does wearing a fitted v-neck underneath.

Frye Boots Carmen Harness Short, $298 at fryeboots.com, Madewell Legging Jeans, $66.50 at shopbop.com: To continue the 'feels like pajamas, looks like real clothing' vibe, go for a pair of jeggings on the botton.  I love this Madewell pair because they look like real jeans, but they really do feel like pajamas.  The dark wash is flattering, and the skinny cut would tuck into these Frye boots nicely.  Boots are a must during the fall, especially back here in New England, and this pair is versatile but still has a good dose of spunk to liven up all the basic layers here.

Madewell Ice Cluster Bracelet, $52 at shopbop.com, Ray-Ban Oversized Wayfarers, $145 at shopbop.com: Accessories are very important for when you've just rolled out of bed on five hours of sleep but want to look pulled-together.  In that situation, a little bit of bling can go a long way.  This Madewell bracelet adds instant glam with minimal effort, and the distraction of all those sparkly rhinestones will keep you awake in class (yay for multi-tasking pieces).  Now, the last element is crucial.  Giant, but polished sunglasses will disguise sleepy-face, block out the evil sun in the early morning, and add a mysterious twist to the entire ensemble.

Images from americanapparelstore.com, shopbop.com, fryeboots.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com , shopbop.com.

Friday Cravings

Friday means random, mainly because my brain is fried and I spent way too much time last night watching the Jersey Shore premiere (love hate) and not enough time sleeping (boo).  Here are some random lovely bits and bobs to help you through the last stretch until the weekend.

Soft Joie Bowie Top, $78 at shopbop.com, Hunter Boots Grizzly Cuff Welly Socks, $40 at shopbop.com, Chloe Brunelle Sunglasses, $285 at shopbop.com: I'm one of those weird people who will wear a sundress and get all gussied up to go to the grocery store, but when it comes to what I wear at home, I am a total slob.  I try to look cute, but the main priority is 100% cozy.  So when cute and cozy happen to coincide in a certain slouchy, Frenchie striped, pocket tee, I'm a happy camper.  I really like this tee because it's just oversized enough to be comfy and casual, but not so big that it overwhelms your torso and veers into fugland.  The stripes add a bit of French girl pep, and the 3/4 length sleeves are perfect, as they disguise any upper arm issues (which do not make for happy cozy time) but aren't as hot or bulky as long sleeves.  I can't even begin to tell you how happy these socks make me.  I have black Hunter rainboots that I got for the rain/snow at school in Boston, and while I'm really happy that I got black because they go with everything, sometimes I wish they were a bit more snazzy.  Enter these faux fur welly socks.  The fur folds over the top of the Hunters so that you get a bit of casual-glam and the little Hunter label still shows up, for all my fellow label whores.  I know, I know, I just got a pair of sunglasses.  But in my theoretical world where I can afford multiple pairs of designer sunglasses, I'd also pick up these.  They combine oversized and square really nicely, which is super flattering for round faces like mine, and they manage to look somehow both really modern and slightly retro.

Image Sources:
Soft Joie top: shopbop.com, Hunter socks: shopbop.com, Chloe sunglasses: shopbop.com.