Invincible

It's that magical time of year once again, fashion's most recognized, most touted, and most insane stop in NY before moving on to London, Milan and Paris to see what's going to go down next season.  Every year at this time, when the weather is cooling off just slightly and the possibilities feel endless, I dive into my Street Style board and get inspired.  I kind of felt invincible in this outfit. 

Madewell blazer, LNA skirt as dress, Bacio 61 heels, Stella & Dot bracelet, & Melinda Maria ring

What are you inspired to wear for fall? 

Anatomy of An Outfit: #24HrsInDetroit

 

It's safe to say that one week ago, my life changed.  I experienced two musical legends {who aren't done yet!} performing their hearts out to an amazing Detroit crowd, while sitting with a few of my best friends.  I spent an incredible 24 hours in Detroit with the Legends Of The Summer, and it was 100% worth it.  Now... to the outfit.  

The denim vest is the single most important piece of my summer wardrobe, I layered it over this basic black Gap tee, tied at the waist with rolled up sleeves.  The outfit was completed with this voluminous navy skirt from H&M {old}, it's very girly, but when paired a couple of pieces that are a bit tougher, it's perfect.

The full look was pulled together by a few of my favorite pieces of jewelry, a vintage cross from Atlantis Dry Goods, Kelci nameplate, various rings, and my new Madewell heels, super comfortable for a night full of dancing. 

The final look, so ready to dance all night.

Summer Showers + Sneaks

When it finally did rain in New York, after a week of expecting it every day and never getting it, I was happy to be in a super comfy outfit of ripped up jeans, a breezy American Apparel top, and Madewell Keds.  This MZ Wallace bag has served me well for almost three years, and I don't know what I would do without it.  More than just being a great go-to bag, it also paved the way for my Leopard obsession, and for that I'm eternally thankful.

I'm heading out for my week long Michigan vacation tomorrow, what are you doing for the 4th? 

Urban Safari

This week I busted out all of my tribal, and safari-esque pieces and wore them in one outfit.  Knowing that I was going to be wandering around in this week's intense NY heat, I wanted to keep layers to a minimum, so I popped on this dress that happens to have a huge, non-work appropriate, open back, and topped it with my favorite safari vest from Madewell.

I finished the look off with my Bacio 61 wedges {they're so comfortable!}, and my Rachel Roy x FEEDProjects FEED India Bag.  Each FEED India bag feeds 100 children in India, such an awesome cause.

Crochet & Medallions

When we experienced 80º weather this week in New York, I couldn't help but get excited for the upcoming summery-ish weather and that's saying a lot because super hot summer days and nights usually make me angry.  While the world isn't remotely ready to see my glow in the dark legs quite yet, I had to put together this cute look with my new J.Crew skirt.  

The medallion pattern reminds me of an old scarf that my mom used to wear or an old tie that my dad would have owned. The top is from TJ Maxx, the necklace is from Madewell and the jacket is Gap {borrowed from my roommate}. 

What are you ready to wear this spring & summer?

Chambray All Day

Alternate post titles include: 

Chambray: A Love Story

An Ode to Chambray

Chambray, I Love You

(I could go on)

How it's taken me this long to write a post completely dedicated to the art of the chambray shirt, I have no idea.   My love affair with the fabric is so serious that all three of my chambray shirts {one is fitted and normal, another is oversized, and the newest member of the Chambray family is sleeveless} came home to Michigan with me for just 5 days over Thanksgiving.  It's hard to get adventurous with the fabric, but I've found myself attracted to a few new styles this season.  

I may have gasped at the sight of both of these color blocked & patchwork-ed shirts from Madewell.  Above is the two toned chambray shirt, below is the western jean patchwork shirt, a Madewell.com exclusive.  

The short sleeved option is another style I've been looking into, it's so good with the sleeves rolled.  This denim short sleeved button up is from American Apparel.

I've been stalking a patchwork denim shift dress in the window of a store down my street for a while, but when looking for the exact one online, I came up blank.  Luckily this Asos colour blocked denim shift dress does the job just fine.  

I know it's excessive, but I'm not alone in this obsession... right?  

Color Blocked & Spotted

All of the ladies at work suffered from immediate shortness of breath the moment that Solange Knowles was revealed as Madewell's latest spokesmodel.  The Madewell campaign, as well as Solange's video for Losing You solidified her spot as #1 Knowles on my list, and her look from this Elle Decor feature inspired me to go bold with my color and print mixing, this is the J.Crew Inc. outfit of my dreams...

Pretty Polka's

I wrote this post while I sat in my apartment last night riding out Hurricane Sandy.  I've never seen anything like this, and it's most certainly something that many people along the coast did not take seriously.  On a more happy note, the other day I wore a new polka dot blazer, and a tee with a sequined face.

I've never been much of a polka dot fan {at least ever since I was about 5 years old}, but when I saw this Madewell blazer it sort of made me smile.

 This Lanvin x H&M tee is still a favorite, so cheeky and adorable, and I feel like the blazer and tee were made for one another.

Current/Elliott flare jeans... <3.

Arm situation, and of course, an oversized ring.  

Hope you all stayed safe in the hurricane, this was truly an out of this world event.  Mass flooding, blackouts in Manhattan, and mind blowing amounts of downed trees.  I'd be pleased if something like this were to never happen again.  

Peter Pan x 2

Have you ever wondered if it was possible to sport two peter pan collars in one outfit?  No?  Well then, it seems I've accomplished the unthinkable...

I have a thing about buttoning up my top button, and so trying it with this dress didn't seem weird to me at all, and I have to say, I loved the way it turned out

Think you would ever do a double collar?  

Varsity

Cool nights, and crisp mornings are the best perks of fall, the leather jackets are right up there too.  And there was never anything better than the first couple of months of a school year, football games, new clothes, and best friends.  And as you can see, I could NOT resist this Madewell jacket and it makes me feel like heading straight to the nearest football game.  

The American Dream

... of jackets.  Skirting the line between bomber and varsity jacket, partnered with the perfect touch of leather, Madewell has managed to make my ideal fall piece.  I don't think I'll be wearing anything else all autumn.

What are you most looking forward to sporting this fall?

Mix Me Up

 These pics were taken over two weeks ago, but I've been so out of my mind busy that I'm just now getting around to posting them.  On a Wednesday morning a couple of weeks ago, my co-workers and I returned to our office from a meeting to find the the entire place humming with confusion... the internet was out.  This meant that it was time for my co-worker Eileen and I to head out for a few outfit photos.  

The amazing Prada bag that I won in a guessing game has proven to be the perfect work bag!

From left to right, Banana Republic ring, Stella & Dot ring, Madewell Ring, Madewell cuff.

Madewell pants, Levi's denim vest, Top from TJ Maxx, Prada bag, Bettye Muller pumps and various jewelry. 

This outfit has proven to be a summer staple, and it's taught me that I too can mix prints!  Have a lovely Monday.

P.S. how will you recover from Olympic madness... Spice Girls anyone?!

Seventies Summer

I am by no means the biggest fan of summer, but I was definitely excited this weekend when I broke out a few of my summery dresses to put into rotation.  One great dress that I got last summer, and another dress that I've had for years and can't stop wearing, both give off such great seventies vibes.  I still have a ways to go in terms of a fully functioning summer wardrobe, but at least I have a place to start.  

 I bought this maxi dress last summer at the store I worked at in Charleston, it was on major sale and nobody else seemed to want it.  I on the other hand loved it the first time I saw it.  It's comfortable, breezy and the pattern is so retro, it looks perfect paired with my Bettye Muller espadrille clogs, and my Madewell vest!

This black dress is from H&M, I got it my freshman year of college...6 years ago and have had times where I've thought about getting rid of it, but I never can.  I wore it to a wedding two years ago, and it was perfect!  The skirt swings so well, and it is the awesome midi length that I cannot get enough of these days.  

I pretty much always need dresses, but I can tell that I will need a full arsenal this summer, it was 90 degrees yesterday.....

My Look: Feels Like Spring

Last week ushered in the first real taste of spring.  This time of year always seems to puzzle me, what is appropriate?  Surely nobody wants to see my SUPER pale tights-less legs quite yet, but how do I find that middle ground?

 Last Thursday the above ensem' was my answer.  The deep mustard skirt is from Madewell which I paired with my J.Crew chambray shirt, belted and topped with a few gold accessories.  Last but not least, my leather jacket had to make an appearance,  I definitely plan on bringing this look out again soon.

 On Sunday afternoon I started playing around with a few things in my closet, and this is what came out of the try on session.  The dress is from Anthropologie, I layered it with one of my all time favorite sweaters, and my jean jacket.  I can't wait to find the right times and places to wear this...over and over again.

It will be fun to dress it down with my sweet new kicks from Gap or dress it up with my Zara heels.  The whole outfit is also ridiculously comfortable...which is pretty much my goal most days while getting dressed.