Laser cut

I have a few pieces of clothing in my closet that are actually real leather, but a lot of my faux leather items have come from Forever 21. I have two "pleather" black jackets from F21 that I wear all the time over dresses when I go out, and, while fake, they always get compliments. The store recently came out with a few new faux leather pieces, including this top. There's something about a laser cut leather top that has always caught my eye. Paired with white jeans, or a matching black [faux] leather skirts and heels for a night out, and I think this piece would be well worth the mere $23 it costs!

Menswear Wednesday: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

Normally I don't really post much about sales on my blog, but I did want to fill my male readers (if there are any out there!) about the amazing sale at Nordstrom going on right now. Here are a few of the best finds, in my opinion. The best deal? Probably the Sperry Gold Cup 2-Eye ASV's that are on sale for nearly 50% off!

1. The North Face rain jacket, $73.90. These almost never go on sale. I have the women's version in red and use it all of the time. It's the perfect light-weight raincoat. Find it here. 

2. I'm a stickler for light blue and/or gingham anything, so of course I found this shirt to be really attractive. It's on sale for $38.90.

3. Polo Ralph Lauren Dot Socks, $8.90. No one wears funky socks like former President George H.W. Bush, but you can at least try to be as cool as he is with these fun orange polka dotted socks from RL. Find them here. 

4. Timberland 'Wodehouse Lost History' Boot, $189.90. I've always been a fan of this style of boots, and really think Timberland makes great quality shoes. Find them here. 

5. Again with the checkered shirts, I know. I just think they look great on all men! Peter Millar's shirts are usually on the more expensive side, so a sale price of $76.90 is a good deal in my eyes. 

6. Sperry Gold Cup 2-Eye ASV boat shoe, $109.90. These are originally $170, which is on the high end for Sperry boat shoes. My friend has this pair, and he's probably kicking himself right about now wishing he'd waited for the sale. 

Girl to Watch: Olivia Pope

On the recommendation of my new roommate, I recently started watching Scandal. I've only heard great things about it, and the fact that it takes place in Washington, DC makes it all the more alluring. I've been a loyal House of Cards fan, so at first I didn't want to add another DC show into the mix, but I'm sure glad I did. I've read in fashion magazines that the style of Scandal's main character, Olivia Pope (played by Kerry Washington), is to die for, and I can totally attest to that now that I'm through the first season. Her character wears a lot of neutrals, mostly white (her Tory Burch trench from one of the first episodes caught my eye immediately!) but also nudes and pastels. Here are a few of my favorite Olivia Pope outfits.

Do you watch Scandal? 

A Pop of {cheap} Style: Forever 21 scarves

I have a love/hate relationship with scarves. Some days I find them to look fashionable on me, and others I think they look awful. Lately I've been loving pastels, and really love the look of lightweight scarves paired with a laid-back outfit such as white skinny jeans, a tank top and a denim vest. J.Crew sells perfect summer scarves, But I just can't seem to justify $150 for one accessory.

This is where Forever 21 comes in to save the day. Recently in stores are scarves that are of similar weight, and cute, pastel summer colors. I'm loving the light blues and pinks with subtle stripes. And with prices ranging from $7-$11, who could pass that up?

Clockwise from top-left: {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} 

Happy Weekend!

Happy Friday everyone! I am currently on a train to New York City, for both work and play. Although it'll be a short trip, I'm excited because it'll include a little boat excursion tonight on the Hudson River and brunch with an old friend tomorrow morning on the Upper West side. This is my first time taking the train to New York but I must say, I don't mind it at all-- it makes me feel a little European, minus the beautiful European countryside, of course. Have a great weekend!

xxo

Menswear Wednesday: Chubbies [not the fat kind]

When I hear the name Chubbies, my mind automatically darts toward wither A. a fat child, or B. the popular spot to grab a burger with Cory, Shawn and Topanga on Boy Meets World. However, neither option is the case here. I met a guy last week on the Fourth of July wearing American flag shorts that weren't swim trunks, and when I asked him where he'd gotten them, he mentioned Chubbies, and was looked surprised when I told him I'd never heard of it. 

One Google search later, and I've discovered a pretty interesting (and fratty) website devoted solely to the creation of American made shorts, which according to the founders are "soft, radical and made for the weekend." My favorite are the American flag pair, but there's many other options to choose from, and they will run you around $50-$60 a pair. 

It seems like a nice investment, and as the website says, your thighs will thank you. 

   

  

DIY with gold spray paint

One of the things I love about Pinterest is it's ability to take something so simple and convert it into something beautiful for decor. Without all of the inspiration I've taken from Pinterest, I would have been at a loss for decorating my apartment. I've recently fallen for the look of white and gold together, and it's been on my to-do list to make these DIY gold magnets. Spray painting plastic toy animals has been popping up around Pinterest for a while, whether its simply for decor, or DIY-ing bookends, catchalls or jewelry holders. What's your take on it? Cheap, quirky, or classy?

I'd love to get your opinion!

Weekend/Fourth of July recap

I hope everyone had a nice, long holiday weekend! I started the Fourth watching the parade from the National Archives with a few friends. The weather was almost unbearably hot, and did not cool down by the time the sun went down. However, I was very lucky to have had the chance to watch fireworks from the Capitol, and I can now say nothing will ever top it!

My friend Alex works in the Capitol and was able to get a few of us on the list to watch the concert and fireworks from the Capitol. Unbeknownst to us, Niel Diamond was performing at the concert, so you could imagine our excitement when he started singing "Sweet Caroline" and a crowd of thousands began singing along. 

Definitely an unforgettable Independence Day!

Happy 4th!

Happy 4th of July everyone! I can't imagine a more ideal place to spend the Fourth of July than Washington, DC, and I'm so grateful to be living here so I can experience the holiday in the nation's capital.

Hope you have a great holiday!

Cherry chocolate kale smoothie

Anytime I can incorporate chocolate into my breakfast, I typically jump at the occasion. I've been making this smoothie for months now, and don't know why I posted it sooner because it is one of my favorites. Feel free to substitute spinach for kale, or use a combination of both. Either way, it's a healthy morning meal, and even more healthy if you use Ovaltine instead of chocolate syrup.

Yes, I still use Ovaltine.

Cherry Chocolate Kale Smoothie (makes enough for one)

- 1 handful of kale, de-stemmed

- 1 cup of black cherries, with pits removed

- 2 t Ovaltine

- 4 skim milk icecubes

- 1 cup skim milk

Place all ingredients in blender (kale first!) and blend until smooth.

American flag attire

Fourth of July attire has always been tricky for me. I don't often wear red, so typically i'm one to pair white pants with a blue top. So when I went looking on Sunday for something to wear this week, I was beyond excited to find this American flag scarf from Forever 21. It was honestly, $9. Can't beat that! Especially when I was thinking of investing in this dress to wear for every Fourth of July for the next decade!

Unfortunately this scarf is not online, but I found a few other pieces from Forever 21, American Apparel and Lilly Pulitzer that are perfect for the holiday!

Clockwise from top-left {1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

Lana del Ray

I've had a minor obsession for Lana del Ray since The Great Gatsby soundtrack was released. There's something about her voice and classic look that makes her seem like she is from an entirely different era. I'm loving her music video for National Anthem (it's a modern-day take on the Kennedys), but my favorite song of hers has to be Video Games. Sorry Gatsby lovers!