Currently loving: Pink Coats

Fall weather always comes with a change of color in our wardrobes. We switch out our white dresses, bright prints and pastels for blacks, browns, navy and neutrals. One of my favorite ways to bring color to a fall wardrobe is a bright coat. I've always been a fan of light pink, so I splurged toward the end of the last winter season and bought myself this coat from J.Crew. Different from the typical darker colors of fall and winter outerwear, it's the perfect pop of color.

Chic Kiddos

Is it just me, or are kids these days more stylin' than ever before? My go-to outfit when I was little was a GAP hoodie, jeans and a head band. I can't say the same for these kids at all. The launch of J.Crew Baby a few weeks back just gives you the excuse of starting even earlier with petite Sperry's, little cashmere sweaters, and rugby striped onezies. I'm definitely not foreseeing any of this in my near future, but I think any 20-something could take a little fashion inspiration from these kiddos.

I'm already wanting to re-create the adult version of the last photo!

Military inspired vest + dress

I recently bought this dress from H&M and it is my new favorite piece in my closet (not to mention a great deal) . I've had a love for lightweight, long sleeved dresses for a while now. They're a good transition piece for summer to fall, and I think one of the ways to perfect the look is with a military style vest. The military green color is a good autumn hue, and it's perfect for those cooler autumn days that are right around the corner. 

I haven't found a vest yet, but it's at the top of my fall wardrobe list. Any suggestions?

Throwback denim

Yesterday my good friend Alex texted me a screenshot of a jumpsuit she'd recently purchased online, asking my thoughts on the piece. I loved it, and then she proceeded to tell me she's thinking about buying overalls too. I can remember Carrie Bradshaw donning dungarees in more than one episode of Sex and the City, but she never exactly styled them to my liking. 

I would probably pair it with a white tee and a statement necklace, but I also really like how the girl below wears a gingham button down underneath. Asos has a few options that I really like, such as this pair and this one as well. 

Would you wear overalls this fall? 

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!

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} 

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. 

   

  

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}

The Brompton Hobo

On my list of 101 things to do in 1,0001 days, I made the pledge to invest in one good bag. Upon first moving to DC at the start of April, I quickly learned that I was going to need a crossbody bag, and one that could sustain a lot of wear. I wanted it to be something I could bring into work as well as use on weekends when I'm out with friends, which meant that it had to look professional, but at the same time seem casual in style. I knew I wanted a cognac color, and I was pretty adament about it being leather (I meant it when I said invest!) but I could not bring myself to spend over $200. Tory Burch is an investment, but I cannot imagine spending $500 on a purse.

In the end, I settled with the Brompton hobo bag from J.Crew. I knew I wanted a hobo bag, and I fell in love with the color of it. Plus, J.Crew was having a huge sale, so I got $100 off! I've been breaking it in all week, and am so happy I decided to go with this one.

Do you own a bag that you saved up for?

Happy Memorial Day Weekend

Happy Memorial Day weekend! I'm so excited to have a laid back, relaxing weekend. My family is coming to visit this weekend so we're planning on doing a little sightseeing, shopping and exploring. There are a few restaurants I want them to try out too -- definitely this one in particular. DC is in the spirit of Memorial Day--I shot the picture of Union Station above on Wednesday, after they'd hung the flags-- and there is a huge concert on The National Mall that is going on this weekend. Do you have any plans for the weekend?  It's supposed to be cooler weather here, but if it warms up, this is what I would wear!

{Silk navy tank} {White shorts} {Striped scarf} {Chain knot studs} {Satchel} {Gingham wedges}

All hail Jenna Lyons

Two days ago, I walked into a Barnes and Noble for a book I had put on hold. As per usual, I was distracted by the lustrous array of magazines in the corner, and let the haze of the covers lure me in. My attention was snagged by the new copy of Fast Company--a magazine I've only read twice in my entire life-- because the woman on its cover. There, in her thick framed, nerdy glasses was Jenna Lyons, staring back at me as I looked at the cover in excitement for the article awaiting me within its pages. The all-white white shirt, pants and bow tie (yes, bow tie) against a white backdrop invited her to blend into the background, but "blending in" isn't exactly Lyon's thing.

So there I stood in my navy, scalloped J.Crew summer dress and jean jacket to match, for twenty minutes reading every word of the article, and with each paragraph I found myself wondering why more people don't talk about Jenna Lyons. In my opinion (as well as that of the magazine) she is the Steve Jobs of J.Crew, transforming brand into a retail monarch reigning over men and women of all ages.

The article was a testament to how much of an inspiration Lyons is for young women. She has been with J.Crew her entire career, starting as the assistant to somone's assistant, and has worked her way up to become executive creative director. She's made fashion relatable, with her eye for creativity and the idea that fashion needs to always be exciting.

I hope you pick up the latest issue of this magazine, and are equally as inspired as I was by Lyons' story and love for her career, along with her fabulous office!

Have a great weekend!

Rain Gear that is not a wash

I have written a post on rainwear before, but because it was in regards to menswear, I thought I'd give women's gear an entry of their own. We're already into May (so disregard the untimeliness of this post-- ahem, April showers bring May flowers), but I've stumbled across Trout Rainwear and I couldn't resist sharing their amazing collection.

The company first launched their apparel about a month ago, and all of their jackets were designed with torrential downpours in mind. Each piece is made with a double-faced cotton and polyurethane blend to allow for high water repellency. The cotton’s breathability allows moisture to transfer throughout the garment, so that it's always comfort regardless of the weather-- a definite plus. The company was co-founded by two sisters, and although they only have three pieces thus far, I think we're all ready to see what other designs they come up with in the near future.

Kentucky Derby Week: Hats

As I said in my previous post, I found my Derby hat last year at the very last minute at Target. It was probably the most affordable way to go, but if you want a more fancy/outrageous hat for a party, try one of the hats below with a big bow, or add one of your own to a beach hat by stopping by Michaels craft store beforehand! My favorite is the Vineyard Vines one below, paired with a white or blue seersucker dress. Which one would you wear?

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post on menswear for the Derby!

xxo

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

Kentucky Derby Week: Dresses

For women attending The Kentucky Derby, the dress of choice is the most important part of your look (a close second is the hat!). Seersucker and ric rac dresses are what I think of when I picture the Kentucky Derby fashion, but also pastel colors and big bows. I may wear this dress or my graduation dress, but I think any of these choices below are sure to fit in with the style of the Derby. 

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

Kentucky Derby fashion week

The Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and regardless of whether you have a ticket or not, chances are you may be attending a Derby party this weekend. My friend Dana and I went to one last year, and because the Derby fell on May 5th, half of the people there were also dressed in Cinco de Mayo attire! At the last minute we decided we also needed big, outrageous floppy hats, but the closest thing we could find to the classic Royal Wedding-esque accessory were sun hats from Target. 

For those of you getting in the Derby spirit this weekend, I thought I'd put together a few posts to begin tomorrow for Derby fashion and throwing a Derby party. Stay tuned!

xxo

Jean jackets beyond 8th grade

Everyone had a jean jacket in grade school. They were the trademark look that came after the pastel colored GAP hoodies and before The North Face jackets became the norm in high school. I was over jean jackets for the past eight years, but now I find myself wanting one again. They're great to pair with summer dresses for a casual day, and look great over anything white. I'm a fan of the medium to darker washes, and I've had my eye on this one for a while now. 

What's your take on jean jackets? Do you own one already? Have they made a comeback in your wardrobe?  

I've scoured the internet (and M Street in Georgetown!) to find some of the best jean jackets at {somewhat} affordable prices. I think Madewell and J.Crew probably have the best-quality jackets, but there are a few other less-expensive ones as well. Here's a few of my favorites.

{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6}

Fashionable frames by Firmoo

Wearing glasses as fashion has been a trend for years, but I think it is one bandwagon I never really jumped on because I didn't think I looked cute in glasses. My little brother has worn faux spectacles for a while now (he says "the ladies love it"), and now I have taken to liking them a little as well.

I decided to take a stroll along the Tidal Basin this afternoon before work, as the Cherry Blossoms are in full bloom for the next couple of days. It was the hottest day yet (90 degrees!), but I had to get out to see the blossoms. Aren't they beautiful?



The glasses I'm wearing in the photos below are non-prescription glasses from a company called Firmoo. They were nice enough to send me a pair to test out, and I must say, while they're not exactly my style, I love the two-toned colored frames (the sides are red), and the quality is top-notch.

They understand the trend of non-perscription glasses, as they sell all of their frames as either prescription lenses or non-prescription lenses. If you're interested in trying out a new look, I would recommend trying their First Pair Free Program, where you can try one pair for free from Firmoo, all you have to do is pay shipping. It's risk free, and if you're not satisfied you will receive a full refund or exchange. How awesome is that

If you're intesterested (And I really reccommend it!), please visit Firmoo's Web site.