{Fall Threads}...Auntie's Parlor

This fall we've seen so many fun and applicable trends like all black, oxblood, and classic American Sportswear. One of the most spectacular looks was beautiful brocades. Although I've never really been a granny chic enthusiast, these elaborate textiles reminded me of the sofas that populate your tea drinking, crumpet nibbling auntie. They're prim, proper, and luxurious. 

Orange Floral / Owl / Quilted Clutch / Peplum Shirt / Peplum Dress / Tapestry Trouser / Textile Handbag / Quilted Pump / Floral Dress

{Splurge or Save}...Computer Commuter

School is starting up soon and fall shall descend upon us. Something I always need is a great satchel to carry all my things. Because I often have classes back to back, I need to have my computer, cords, wallet, notebooks and more all in one place. And sure, I like my backpack, but sometimes don't you want something that transitions from the classroom to your internship? It needs to be timeless. It needs to be functional. That's why I love both these black satchels. They have a great vintage charm with fantastic detailing, but are cool enough in black to fit anyone's style and personality. 

{Splurge} Leather Mock Croc Satchel

{Save} Double Buckle Retro Satchel

Dot, Dot, Dot...

Besides American Sportswear, aristocratic jet-setter chic, and fantastically rich colors, polka dots have made quite the mark for fall fashion. I'm jazzed! Stripes and polka dots are my favorites. Feeling unsure about how to style this seemingly childish patter? No worries!

Daytime: I enjoy pairing two prints. Just make sure that one print is larger than the other. Above, I have a purple polka dot jean paired with a larger polka dot loafer and basic white blouse. Add some basic accessories for a transition to evening.

Nighttime: wear a demure polka dot dress with a little waist. Add a sparkly sandal for all night dancing, and a shimmery clutch that doubles as a wallet during the day in your tote. Some fabby baubles make this evening look whimsical and cool.

{Day} Blouse / Jeans / Loafers

{Night} Dress / Shoes

{Accessories} Shades / Tote / Clutch / Necklace

Story on the Go

A self-declared book worm and handbag enthusiast, these Kate Spade New York book clutches are right up my alley! I love the map of a city in the numeral two! They're quirky, chic and, well, Kate Spade. How can we say no? 

Emma Clutch / A Tale of 2 Cities Clutch

P.S. Have you checked out the new theme by Kate Spade New York now available for your desktop? Available here.

Let's Go Exploring

Nice weather = exploring!!! I do love adventures and I can't wait to get outside and explore the city, woods, neighborhood, whatever! I've compiled some essentials for exploring all day long! Everything you'll need to make your adventure memorable and awesome! A notebook for remembering everything you did, comfy (and cute) shoes, a small point and shoot camera to capture photo worthy moments, and more!

Hat / Denim Shirt / I Was Here Notebook / Satchel / Sunglasses / Madewell Flats / Camera

Handy Bag

As you may know, I'm taking a small family vacation with my large family to Florida this summer! I'm so excited and can't wait to break out my bright neon bags. The only this is...I'm a terrible packer. Always have been, always will. So it's difficult bringing all the bags I want. However, I'm looking into getting some Baggu bags! They fold into super tiny pockets and take up zero room! They look ultra cool and chic. The Baggo bags come in great bold prints, electric hues and so many designs. Not to mention, they're really affordable. Backpacks, little pouches, totes, and more! Have you ever had a Baggu bag?

{Weekend Update}...Friends

    I got to spend my weekend with my fabulous friends! Some came into the city so we could have a weekend full of shopping, dinning, talking and laughing. Shockingly, I went to a hockey game! Normally not an avid sports enthusiast, I had a blast watching the players speed across the ice and slam into each other. It's actually quite entertaining! 

    Abby & I got up early on Saturday and went to a book store, had coffee, scones and caught up on some fashion mags. After a light brunch, we met up with the other girls and headed to the mall for shopping, shopping, shopping! After a great day of spending money, we grabbed dinner at Granite City. Overall, a successful weekend. 

This amazing bag jumped out of nowhere at me. Stripes, magenta, blue & a totally rad clasp. I also picked up this amazing blouse from Express. I love it. Neon green, sleeveless and it ties at the bottom. It's so lovely. The perfect summer top!

And of course, I had to stop at Sephora to pick up the roller ball stick of my favorite perfume, Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Fresh. 

 After a great day of spending money, we grabbed dinner at Granite City. Overall, a successful weekend. 

Petal Pastels

It's March already! Wowza! I've been feeling so inspired by pretty bouquets lately. Here are some springy items that definitely make you feel like a blossoming flower.

NARS / Ring / Lipcolor / Marc Jacobs "Daisy Eau So Fresh" / Rose Buds / Yellow Bathing Suit / Seafoam Loafer / Lilac Clutch / Zig Zag Bangles / Dot Scarf / Turquoise Necklace / Sunglasses 

Peacock Print & Pigment

Teals, emeralds, plums and periwinkles. I love them all! Peacock feathers were once signs of wealth and would show up in home decode, dress and the like. Now, they're just down right cool. Although I've never been a huge fan of wearing actual feathery earrings, I think the metal alternative by Lucky Brand are totally rad. Sometimes, there's this idea that peacock "theme" can be a little ultra-quirky. It's okay to have a theme to your outfit or event. Just make sure it's not too literal. 

Try wearing a dress or bracelet that features the same hues of peacock feathers. With a simple shift dress, wear some funky feather tights. Grab a basic, but interesting clutch with the peacock feather print or wear a feather in your hair, but keep the rest of your outfit simplistic so that your accessory can really make a statement. You don't want to look like Big Bird.

Even centering a dinner or party around the peacock can feel fun, aristocratic and easy. You're entire table doesn't have to match. In fact, I suggest it should never match. Your dish ware could be teal, while your stemware or water glasses be purple. Flower arrangements or candles can feature shades of greens with some pops of blue and plum. Heck, add a peacock feather or two in the bouquet! 

So if you're getting inspired by something, weather it be art or animals, go with it!

Bracelet / Clutch / Tights / Earrings / Dress / Plates / Old Fashioned Glass / Fascinator

Peacock Cape photo by Gail Adams via

Bottom Painting Myartspace on Etsy 

I Carry Your Heart with Me

The other week I had a post on red and it feature this bag. I had a great response on it...so I thought I'd feature some great little totes for V-Day! Weather it's a straight up heart, or simply a basic pink bag, you'll fall in loves with these adorable totes. Super cute & chic for walking around the town or going on a date, you're all set!

1. Cambridge Satchel Company Neon Pink
2. Madewell Alphabet Bags Heart Tote
3. FluffyCo With All My Heart Tote
4. Find It In Your Heart Handbag

I Adore My...Keyper by Fossil

So...if you've been wondering what I got in my stocking for Christmas (which was over a month ago -  yikes!) here's a little peek. My lovely parents gave me these amazing Keyper Pouches by Fossil. I love them. They are so amazing! I use the largest one for all my cables and cords when I'm on the go. It has by iPhone cords, camera cord, earbuds, charger extension cord, external hard drive and more! The two little guys contain my essentials so I can easily switch handbags. Sometimes, I use them as a little clutch when I have a quick outing that doesn't require lots of supplies. I highly recommend these puppies! Durable, functional and totally rad. 

P.S...There are tons of designs and colors! I may be getting a few more patterns soon!

{On the Same Wavelength}... Stripes

Kate Spade New York & Equipment must have had the same stroke of genius when they created this bag & this blouse. The spearmint color gives these items so much fresh vibrancy. They both are brilliantly paired with a neutral like black or deep midnight navy to keep it sophisticated & prevent it from getting too overwhelmingly juvenile. I know that pastel citrus is the trend for Spring 2012, and I couldn't be a bigger fan. But for days that I'm feeling a little different, these would be great alternatives while still being springy.

1. Kate Spade Satchel 
2. Equipment Blouse

{Splurge or Save}...Neon Bag

I have noticed an exuberant amount of neons in stores recently. Now that stores have gotten rid of all their old winter collections, spring clothing is emerging by the droves! I first fell in love with this Marc by Marc Jacobs messenger bag! However, this little purse had a hefty price. Then I found this cute little thing from ASOS & my heart skipped a beat! I can't wait to take this to Florida for my much anticipated summer trip! 

Blue Christmas

Gorgeous Issa Gown

I saw this Issa dress & fell in love (as well as inspired!) First off, I have been adoring Issa ever since my favorite new duchess appeared wearing these amazing creations. Secondly, Christmas is always red & green & a dream-like white Christmas. This year, I'm having a little of a blue Christmas because it's a brown Christmas in the Midwest. There is not a speck of snow near my house. How sad is that?!? I know that many people never have snowy winters & I am so sad for the people living in California! I've been spoiled with blizzards for Christmas; wonderful snowmen, snow angels, ice skating, drawing on the frosty windows (fun fact: type "let it snow" into Google for at least 10 minutes of distraction) & even shoveling. This year, no such luck. So, instead of getting totally bummed out by this blue Christmas, why not use it to it's full potential! This holiday season, I'll be sporting lots of blue from my inspired Blue Christmas. 

1. ASOS Envelope Laptop Case

2. ASOS MACKIE Platform Lace Up Brogue

3. Steve Madden Madee Blue Suede

4. Futai Clear Bubble Umbrella with Teal Trim

5. Butter London Nail Laquer "Lady Muck"

6. Meredith Wendell Fishbowl Leather Duffle Bag

7. Sonia Kashuk Brush Set

8. Mizuki Silver Monogram Ombre Blue Bracelet

9. BaubleBar Aqua BoHo Drops

10. Cerulean Blue Round Plush Throw

11. Budd Leather Lizard Print Calf Photo Envelope-Blue