A few readers who I happen to hang out with in real life have expressed a desire for more posts with items they can actually afford… and while I might not think $600 ballet flats are impractical (if they’re really, really pretty), my addiction to retail therapy isn’t limited to designer duds and one-of-a-kind creations with wedding dress prices. So here’s to my featuring 3 things we can all afford on Tuesdays… or at least trying!
Gilliann Ankle Strap Platform in Purple Suede (on sale for $50) – Yes, please. They look wayyy more expensive than they are – and they’re hot. period.
Sequin Hinged Enamel Bangles ($28) – I’ll take one in every color! Really, why not…
Calypso Iona Dress (on sale for $30) – Easy, breezy and perfect for spring. Maybe with some nude shoes?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bags, boots, Coat, dress, favorites, necklace
A couple weeks ago Miss Sophie of Les Anti-Modernes tagged me to share some of my most-worn and valued pieces making an interesting point that this exercise “brings to light the depths of sartorial experience beyond just coveting beautiful, ‘fashionable’ things…your favorite dress, jacket or pair of shoes embodies memories and has transformative powers that make it special beyond its materiality alone.” Deep, right? Choosing which items to pick wasn’t easy at all, but here’s what I ended up with…
Chanel sunnies and Kors wool coat – The past few months I’ve rarely left my apartment without wearing these things. My eyes are super sensitive to sunlight (especially in the AM) and the coat’s been a necessity since the winter was FREEZING in DC.
St. John Collection dress – Knit dresses are definitely one of my wardrobe staples and my mother and I came across this perfectly form-fitting purple python print beauty on a shopping trip with my aunt – and all 3 of us walked out of the store with it! I’m telling ya there’s magic in this fabric – I don’t know what it is about it, but it fits like a dream and gives me instant confidence, even on fat days!
Ciao Bella boots – When I bought these a few months ago, I wasn’t sure how I felt about the caramel color. I thought the boots would either go with everything, or go with nothing – turns out they go with everything and I’ve been wearing them nonstop! They’re ridiculously comfy which is key since I walk everywhere…
Gemma Redux, Prima Donna, F21 and gifted necklaces, Louis Vuitton Palermo GM – I’ve been loving mixed metal necklaces and anything big and chunky for a while now and these are some of the ones I wear most often. The Gemma Redux was a birthday gift from Z, the chunky gold necklace was a present from my friend J’s store Prima Donna, and the layered gold necklace was a present from my mom. The bag was a present from Santa and is the perfect size for all the “stuff” I carry around.
Of course now that I’ve posted all of these I’m thinking of all of the items I didn’t pick and want to start over… I didn’t pick a pair of pretty heels because I honestly couldn’t choose which ones were my favorites. Same with my cocktail rings, I’m wearing them all constantly! We took photos of a few other things that didn’t turn out as well, but I’d also include my American Apparel leggings in black boa, Chanel 2.55 jumbo bag, and a nude lace Silence and Noise skirt that is unabashedly feminine…
What items would yall choose as your most-valued/treasured/worn? I’d love to know!
Life got in the way of blogging this week, in some good and not-so-good ways… I really wish there were 3 more hours in the day sometimes - 1 more hour at night to get all the things done I try to squish in after my work day, 1 more hour to sleep, and 1 more hour in the morning to not feel like I’m groggily rushing off to start the day…
Have a restful weekend everyone! I think I’ll start the weekend with a little nap now, but here’s some eye-candy for you to enjoy from CLF by Claire La Faye‘s Etsy shop…
I’m sort of in love with this Parisian Princess Dress… there’s an organic glamour about it that just makes me swoon.
And here’s a similar shorter version in pink!
Filed under: Destination Inspiration | Tags: Bohol, caftan, dress, hotel, Philippines, swimwear, tunic
Remember when I said I NEEDED to feel the sand between my toes?! Well I’m excited to be heading to the Philippines for a bit of a family reunion and besides spending some time in Manila, we’re going to Bohol which = beach time! Unfortunately… this isn’t happening for a few months (sighhh, insert pouty face) so until then, here’s some island inspiration for you!
I can barely look at swimwear right now since 1) I can’t shop and 2) vacay is so far away… but I’m loving the DVF String Bikini, Tara Matthews Bead-embellished Bikini Set, and Pucci (yes please!) Printed Triangle Bikini.
I have no idea where we’re actually staying, but I literally googled beach resorts in Bohol and found the Eskaya Beach Resort and Spa …Helloo gorgeous. Found in Panglao, the southernmost tip of Bohol, this boutique style all-villa resort is apparently great for people looking for peace and serenity (read: no childrens’ activity pool and no all-you-can-drink package marketed to college kids) – what I want on my vacation is pure relaxation, so it sounds perfect to me!
The thatched villas are distinctly Filipino “with a splash of modern amenities” (Wi-Fi, flat screen TVs, running water…)
Check out this free standing bathtub – it’s such a modern fixture to have in a villa don’t you think?!
Light, airy tunics perfect for lounging around or throwing over your swimwear: Calypso Sima Tunic, Allegra Hicks Iman Caftan, and DVF New Edie Mini Dress.
Each villa comes with its own pool (obviously)! This is a garden-view option…
And an ocean-view option… infinity pool AND whirlpool. Are you drooling yet?
These fun florals are kind of amazing. Resort attire, date-worthy, wedding season – who really needs an excuse? DVF Beach Tabalah Caftan, Tibi Silk Asymmetrical Maxi Dress, Tibi Silk Bandeau Dress.
Hopefully I’ll be able to share photos from where we’re actually staying in a few months, but until then… who’d like to enjoy me in dreaming?
Filed under: Uncategorized | Tags: bags, Balenciaga, dress, heels, Jessica Simpson, Kate Spade, Marc by Marc Jacobs, nude, tan, turquoise, Vera Wang
Since I gave up shopping for Lent, I’ve been making mental notes of things I really want to buy as soon as Easter comes around… Not on the list? More little black dresses, black work skirts, or black shoes. Enough is enough and wasting shopping funds on things I ALREADY HAVE just seems silly when there are a ton of other pretty things I could spend money on!
What is making the list? I’m still trying to narrow that down… but a couple things I definitely feel my closet is missing (NEED for spring!) are a turquoise bag and nude(ish) shoes.
I would love, LOVE the Balenciaga Arena Classic Day or really the Balenciaga City in Cyclade… but the Rebecca Minkoff Mini Nikki or Marc by Marc Jacobs Flash Leola Hobo (via Mandy of Life in the Fashion Lane) are both about half the price of the Balenciaga bags and still gorgeous!
I’m still looking for the perfect nude shoes as well – or really, more of a light-to-medium tan (thanks mom and dad for my inability to ever be pale) – I’m not sure that any of these are exactly what I’m looking for but I know I want a peep-toe platform, probably in a patent leather… Pictured are: Vera Wang Lavender Label Sherry Platform Pump, Kate Spade Glenda, Kate Spade Cammie, and Jessica Simpson Astor Pump.
Did anyone else give up shopping?! Even if you didn’t, what’s on your must-have list for spring?
One more thing on my list… a VACATION. Seriously. This girl needs sunshine and sand between her toes :)
