Soft Joie and Foam?

How were everybody's weekends?  I spent the weekend in Vermont baking cookies.  No, really.  I'm such a cool kid, I know.  Love me some cookies though.  Speaking of cookies, here are some cozy clothes I'd wear while eating cookies.


Soft Joie: Duncan Deck Stripe Tank, $78 at shopbop.com, Klein Dress, $148 at shopbop.com, O'Dell Top, $68 at shopbop.com: I love Soft Joie.  It's all the coziness of KAIN tees with the style of Joie.  I can't wear horizontal stripes like this first tank but if I could I would totally wear this first tank.  I like the color combo of turquoise and charcoal grey, and it just hangs so nicely.  I'd do it with a pair of dark wash, slightly cropped skinny jeans, ballet flats, and some oversized Wayfarers.  I love interesting cutout details, like the one on the back of this dress.  It's so unexpectedly interesting and a flattering place for a cutout too--who doesn't have nice shoulder blades?  The front is very simple, so you could do a fun belt or statement necklace.  I may actually buy this last top.  I die for exposed shoulders, and the best thing here is that it highlights the collarbones and shoulders nicely but the actual sleeve part covers up the fattiest part of anyone's arm.  It's a win-win-win!  And it's a nice, basic black with a nice drape and a flattering length.

John Frieda Precision Foam Hair Color in Light Red Brown, $12.99 at target.com: I read about this foam hair color in Elle last month and since I am negative adventurous in terms of my hair dye purchases (in terms of brand, not color) I decided to branch out and do something fun.  It's like any old permanent hair color, but the dye itself comes in a foam formula and there is lots and lots of it (enough for even my hair!).  I'm trying it out tonight, so I'll let y'all know how it goes.  I got light red brown.  I'd really rather do medium red brown, but they didn't have it at CVS and dark red brown looked very purple.

Images via shopbop.com, target.com.

Monday Cravings

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.

Me Want

I want this.


Wildfox Paris Pony Tee, $77 at shopbop.com: I know it's overpriced.  But it's really cute.  It's a big white scoopneck tee (which already sold me) and then you add the pony and the Paris and the vintagey feel and I NEED IT.  I want to wear it with dark wash jeans and boots and pretty jewelry and run around feeling French.

Image via shopbop.com.

Currently Loving: KAIN Pocket Tank

About a week ago I ordered a KAIN Pocket Tank on super, super sale from Tobi.com.  It was originally $80 and I got it for $15 in the color Magic Spell, which is a lovely medium lavender.  I took it out of the box, immediately loved it, and bought another one in Amalfi Red online yesterday.  I've wanted a KAIN tank forever, but couldn't justify the price tag.  However, at about $20 a pop, they're an amazing deal.  They're one size fits all, which could be problematic for some, but it fits me surprisingly well.  There's a pocket on the right side, and the fabric is a mixture of modal and silk, so it's very soft and drapes perfectly (this also means that they're very fragile, so hand-wash only).  Here I'm wearing it with a C&C California sweater, a Tiffany's necklace, 7 For All Mankind jeans, and Frye boots.

And here's a slightly blurry (sorry!) photo of just the tank.  As you can see, it's slightly transparent, which doesn't bother me but makes it not work appropriate.  But it's just so, so comfy.  There are still a ton of colors on sale, including a really pretty mauve.

All in all, I love these tanks.  They're a great basic wardrobe staple, they come in a lot of colors, they're very comfortable, and they go with basically anything.  Aside from how fragile these are, there are no downsides here.

I'm An Enabler

I am the worst influence.  Especially on myself.  I decided I wasn't going to do any more online shopping.  I bought two things today.  I need adult supervision.  But when you see this amazing deal, I think you'll understand.  


Tobi is having a sale on all their KAIN Label products.  And not like a 50% off sale, but a 70-80% off sale.  With free shipping.  I KNOW.  KAIN is famous for their one-size-fits-all drapey, modal tees and tanks.  I got the pocket tank in Magic Spell, which is pictured but is a deeper, duskier purple in real life.  It was $15 down from $79 at tobi.com.  It sounds too good to be true, doesn't it?  Now, if I wasn't on shopping probation, I'd also get this Pocket Tee in Mauve, $25 down from $84 at tobi.com.  I love the ethereal, faded lavender hue.

There's also more than just Tobi on sale.  I'd check out this Elizabeth & James dress and this fab Olivia Harris studded leather bag.  Go get shopping!

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.

Today's Cravings

Hello, four day weekend.  How long I've waited for you.  Well, not that long since I have three papers and a midterm to work out before Monday, but it's the thought that counts.  To get me in a happier place, I put together some pretty things.  It always does the trick.


YARNZ Butterfly Mosaic Scarf, $170 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Stripley Mid City Tote, $495 at shopbop.com: I need this scarf in my life.  It's seven feet long, all cashmere, and covered in tiny butterflies.  Butterflies!  Ah.  So cute.  I want to wear it with a white tee and some plain jeans.  There's something so snuggly and cozy about big cashmere scarves.  And they're super handy for traveling, because they can double as blankets on long flights.  I have the plain, brown version of this bag, and I love it to death.  The textured black version, however, is calling to me.  It's a little more urban and punky, which works so well with the basic shape, but since it's a neutral color, it works with everything.

Elizabeth & James Holiday Skirt, $245 at shopbop.com, Sandro Rancon Silk and Tulle Dress, $395 at net-a-porter.com: This skirt is so flouncy and holiday-ish!  I love that it looks a bit like a modern crinoline, and then you have the black hue and the leather waistband to add some modern edge.  I'd pair it with a lightly embellished white tank and some costume jewelry.  Doesn't this dress scream holiday party?  The ruffled, swiss dot skirt is so festive and party appropriate, the white silk top is flattering and very wintery, and the bit of sparkle at the waist makes it so perfect for going out.  You could really do this and some black heels and be done.

Markus Lupfer Sinner Shirt, $185 at net-a-porter.com, and Sequin Spell Shirt, $265 at net-a-porter.com: I will freely admit that these shirts are way overpriced, but at the same time I still totally love them.  And the words are embroidered, which helps justify it a little bit.  Kinda.  This sinner shirt also has a counterpart that's white and says 'saint,' but I think it's mildly obnoxious to walk around with that across your chest, whereas this is just mildly hilarious.  I'd wear it to the coffee shop or on errands, with a pair of boots, straight-leg dark jeans, and some big sunglasses.  This Sequin Spell shirt reminds me of the "I put a spell on you" song from Hocus Pocus (LOVE IT).  It's just so funny and unexpectedly charming, no?  Plus, I love me some daytime sequins.

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

Runway Meets Real Way: '70s

I am opposed to buying a Halloween costume that you can only wear on Halloween on principle.  Why am I going to spend a good amount of money on something I only wear once (and if I can only wear it once, it's guaranteed to be pretty ridiculous)?  This is sad, but I judge purchases like that in terms of how many MAC shadows I could have bought instead.  If I spend $45 on a wear-once costume, I just lost out on 3 MAC shadows.  Not cool.  Instead, I will always find an excuse to do a Halloween costume that involves pieces that I wanted to buy anyways (I justified my Ray-Bans as part of an Audrey Hepburn costume.  Yes, I'm that nerdy).  Take this year's costume.  I need to get this red American Apparel pencil skirt, and I've already started planning non-Halloweeny outfits around it.  I'm actually really excited about it.  I'm really feeling a '70s-inspired, slightly retro school teacher/equestrian ensemble.


American Apparel Interlock Pencil Skirt in Cranberry, $32 at americanapparelstore.com, KAIN Label Pocket Tank, $80 at shopbop.com: Here's the skirt.  It's a rusty red color, which is totally on-trend for fall, and also a complete departure from the rest of my closet.  Red scares me.  I own officially one red piece of clothing, and I just got it a week ago.  The idea of wearing so much red in one outfit would scare me if it was a top, but it totally works as a bottom.  You get all the impact of red without all that color up by your face (yes, that much color by my face scares me).  Also, I'm trying to stock up on pencil skirts.  I have a very hourglassy figure, and the slight a-line skirts I have just don't flatter that.  See, it's a practical Halloween costume!  I'd pair the form-fitted skirt with a lighter, softer top like this KAIN tank.  The skirt is all business and structure, and the tank adds a little flow and a little sexiness with the sheerness.  Plus, since it's so thin, it won't look all lumpy and bumpy when tucked into the skirt.

Frye Melissa Button Boots, $318 at shopbop.com, Foley + Corinna Mid City Tote, $395 at museten.com: In keeping with the '70s vibe, I'd do accessories in warm brown leather.  The rusty red and equestrian inspired leather pieces just feel so '70s, no?  I'd wear the skirt with these boots because, well, I have these boots.  And I have this bag.  Hehe.  But I do think they all really work together nicely.  The boots add a rugged twist, and the bag is not only a '70s inspired shape, but ties together the outfit from head to toe.  Also it's just an awesome bag.  I highly recommend it for anyone looking for a basic, practical bag that will wear well and get you tons of compliments.

Bing Bang Tiny Skull Stud Earrings, $30 at shopbop.com, Erica Klein Horse Necklace, $140 at shopbop.com: I love the idea of adding a little subversive twist with the jewelry.  These studs look just like basic studs from far away because they're so small, but once you get up close you see that they're little skulls, which adds a fun, offbeat vibe to the ensemble.  Plus, they're gold-plated, which means they won't irritate your ears.  The horse necklace ties in with the equestrian vibe, and is unexpected and quirky in a polished way.  I think the '70s are definitely about warm, gold jewelry.

Images from americanapparelstore.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com, museten.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com.

Outfit of the Day!

I really want to do more of these, it's just that I literally have this one mirror.  This one 10 inch wide mirror.  Gah.  It's very frustrating.  


So that KAIN shirt that I ordered last week came today, and I totally love it.  It's officially the first piece of red clothing that I own.  I know.  Red scares me.  But I think I actually like the red here.  The shirt itself is so comfy, and I love the way it drapes.  It is pretty sheer, like all KAIN shirts, and since I currently own zero (ZERO!) nude bras, I layered a black cami underneath.  Sheer is a huge trend for fall, though, so I'll definitely be skipping the cami once I rectify the wardrobe situation. 

Because check out that back!  It's cute with the cami, but how hot would it be without it?  I love the basic in the front and the sexy in the back thing--it's very unique. 

I'm sorry for the failtastic over-exposure of these pics, but the jeans are J. Brand, the boots are Frye, and the jewelry is all Tiffanys.

Currently Craving: Blush Tees

I'm trying really hard to stay away from basic black, white, and grey tees.  Not that I have any issues with those colors, but I've realized recently that 90% of my shirts are v-necks in those colors.  Which makes for a nice wardrobe full of basics, but at the same time a little devoid of color and quirkiness.  Recently, during my fashion daydreams (yes, I have fashion daydreams, I know, I'm really cool), I've been craving...girly colors.  I know, it's scaring me too.  Girly isn't really in my dressing vocabulary.  My solution for any blah outfit is to throw a leather jacket on top of it.  But for some reason, I just really want a blush pink drapey v-neck.


American Apparel Sheer Jersey Deep V-neck, $22 at americanapparelstore.com, KAIN Label Pocket Tank, $80 at singer22.com: In an ideal world, I'd get that KAIN tank.  It's the perfect combination of draped and fitted, and the slightly sheerness sexes up the lilac hue.  But in reality, I'll probably end up with this American Apparel tee, a nice versatile deep v-neck in that pretty pale pink.  I'm thinking that a really light pink (not too Barbie-ish) will be a flattering, off-beat alternative to white or off-white.

KAIN Label 3 Strap Back Tee, $48.50 down from $98 at singer22.com: So in all my searching for pink and KAIN tees, I stumbled across this KAIN tee on sale at Singer22.  It comes in black, orange, and this berry-red hue (it's a little less glaring in person).  I caved on it.  I've always wanted a KAIN tee, it was on sale, I got my paycheck yesterday, and I love that from the front it's a basic scoop-neck, but from the back it's got a little extra sass.

J. Brand Midrise Straight Leg Jeans, $159 at shopbop.com, Frye Melissa Boots, $318 at shopbop.com: But back to the idea of blush tops.  I'd pair my blush v-neck with a pair of dark wash, slim jeans and a pair of dark brown equestrian boots.  I also happen to be wearing both of these, so they're on my mind.  The dark jeans temper the sweetness of the pink tee, and the leather boots add a bit of a rugged touch, while the dark brown doesn't compete with the pink for attention.  Throw on a glam statement necklace (maybe some crystals and chains) and you've got the cutest combination of girly and rock and roll.

Images from americanapparelstore.com, singer22.com, singer22.com, shopbop.com, shopbop.com.

Currently Craving

So I'm back from Hawaii, and currently moving into my college dorm room.  Woohoo!  I'll post some pics of the decorating when it's all completed.  Anyways, in the mean time, I put together some pretty, craveable things for a little inspiration.

Traced Twirls Dress, $158 at anthropologie.com, Garden District Dress, $298 at anthropologie.com, AG Stevie Cords, $158 at anthropologie.com: One of my favorite fall looks was the fit/flare '50s inspired dress from Louis Vuitton.  They're modest, sexy, retro, and surprisingly refreshing all at the same time.  And also very expensive.  For a cheaper alternative, try this Anthropologie dress.  It has the same silhouette, with the sweetheart/halter neckline, and the just below the knee length, a-line skirt.  I'd pair it with a pink or cobalt belt, for a fun pop of color.  It's hard to see the detail on that red dress in the picture, but it has adorable corset detailing on the sides.  I love it because the cut and print are all innocent, vintage inspired sundress, and then the corset and neckline detailing are all bad--S&M inspired edginess.  I don't think I've owned a pair of pants aside from jeans since middle school.  I'm just not a pants person.  But there's something about corduroys that appeals to me.  They're so collegiate, and I like how they have a suede-like texture.  I think they could be an interesting alternative to jeans, equally casual-chic, but just as comfy.

Paul & Joe Prasline Asymmetric Wool-Crepe Dress, $575 at net-a-porter.com, Elizabeth and James Belle du Jour Dress, $365 at net-a-porter.com, Alexander McQueen Cotton Gold Print T-Shirt, $320 at net-a-porter.com: I just realized that these next two pieces are cocktail dresses with bows at the neckline.  I guess that's the theme today?  I like them both because they contrast the typically girly, flouncy bow with a minimalist color palette and cut.  The Paul & Joe dress is a little more polished and retro, with it's one shoulder and shift-like cut, whereas the LBD is a little more modern and sexer, especially given it's bondage-esque back.  That LBD is really calling to me.  It's so ingenue meets femme fatal.  This last shirt is a sweet little tribute to McQueen.  It has some very British-seeing lions with a crown, and then the plaque in the middle that reads "the great Alexander."  It's a fitting memento to the iconic British designer.

Images from:
anthropologie.com, anthropologie.com, anthropologie.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com, net-a-porter.com.

Vacay Thoughts

So if y'all haven't noticed, I've set up these posts a few weeks ahead of time to go live while I'm in vacay, because while I love you all, I don't want to be blogging on the beach at Hawaii.  It's called vacay for a reason.  But anyways, here are some things I'm pondering:

Alexander Wang Amber Notebook Clutch, $625 at shopbop.com, Rebecca Taylor Alligator Print T-shirt, $125 at net-a-porter.com: Okay, I'd never buy this clutch, but I just think it's so hilarious.  It's made to look like a spiral notebook, and the spiral is a hinge that opens up to reveal a bunch of compartments and pockets.  You have to admit that it's clever and cheeky in a way that only Alexander Wang can do.  The same goes for this croc-printed tee.  I just love the idea of this.  It looks all basic and neutral from a distance, but then you get up close and BAM, it's crazy croc print.  I've never seen anything like this before.  Pair that with a pair of jeans and some leather boots and wow, you have an amazingly chic, simple outfit.

Buxom Chronicles Lipgloss Set, $28 at sephora.com, Juicy Couture Gen Y Toile Tote, $78 at zappos.com: Math time.  The full sized Buxom glosses are $17, and you get the amount of two full sized glosses with these four mini glosses.  Two full sized glosses cost $34, so you're saving $6 and you get a wide variety of colors.  That's a good deal, and I really like how the colors run from nice and neutral (Katie) to vampy (Violetta).  If I had the extra cash lying around to replace my perfectly good tote bag for school, I'd get this Juicy Couture bag.  I'm pathetically obsessed with quirky toile like this, it's a nice shape and size, and it has lots of convenient pockets inside.  I know the pattern is intense, but the neutral color palette makes it more versatile than it looks.

Maybelline Full 'n Soft Waterproof Mascara, L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof Mascara: It's pathetic, but mascara terrifies me.  I found one mascara that I absolutely adore, Max Factor Volume Couture Waterproof, and of course it's not being sold in the US anymore.  It's 100% waterproof but comes off with remover easily, never smudges or flakes, adds just enough volume and length with one clump-free coat, and is basically just awesome.  I have dry eyes and wear contacts, which means lots of eye drops, and all the other waterproof mascaras I've tried have run away (literally) in fear in the face of those eye drops.  Ugh.  I've been doing some Makeupalley research on drugstore mascaras (I refuse to buy designer mascara, they've all failed me so badly), and Maybelline Full 'n Soft Waterproof and L'Oreal Voluminous Waterproof keep coming up.  They're both affordable, and seem to get good reviews.  Have any of y'all tried these?  I'm leaning towards Full 'n Soft, but I'm just so torn about it all.

Images from:
shopbop.com, net-a-porter.com, sephora.com, zappos.com, makeupalley.com, makeupalley.com.