Hangin' Tough

J. Crew's seasonal collections can be hit or miss for me. I remember absolutely loving their fall collection last year, enjoying all their twists on cardigans and scoring a couple from my Christmas wish list. But since that time, I have not been drawn to shop there as much. Maybe it's because I've found other wonderful places to shop since moving to Atlanta or maybe it's because I feel like so many of J. Crew's pieces are meant to fit on tall, stringy girls with boyish figures. And this is so far from my shape that I don't even try on skirts, pants or shorts from there anymore.

But one thing J. Crew (and Victoria's Secret) does do quite well is the art of the sale. And if you're trying to spend $100 or less, you should probably worship at the Church of Jenna Lyons.

Using an oversize v-neck white or grey tee & gold sandals (you surely already own), try this combo of feminine and tough for a casual summer outing. Click to enlarge!



L to R: 5" Chino Short, $23.60; Printed Lieutenant Jacket, $39.99; Ribbon & Rope Necklace, $15.99; Vachetta Grommet Belt, $15.60 - Price reflects the 20% off summer sale promo with code SUMMER20, valid til 11:59pm EST June 9!

Parisian Chic

What is it with me & bows lately? I am usually an extremely hipped out kind of lady with more tunics than tied-up cuteness. Maybe I feel like it makes me look fun/young yet professional? Or, as I mentioned in an earlier post, I may just totally be on a Sonia Rykiel-inspired kick. Anyhoo, I found this top at fab'rik Buckhead and fell in love instantly. For $38, it will look great with my white Hudsons my sister gave me or my cotton high waisted H&M skirt of meetings and events!

P.S. Comments welcome on the iPhone pics. I know they're not of the greatest quality, but I think they help me get info out faster. I'll continue to try and take better quality photos with my "real" camera though...don't you worry!

The Perfect Summer Blouse

So pumped about this $19.95 crisp white blouse I found at H&M. Very Sonia Rykiel meets Lela Rose, in my eyes, no? I originally bought it to wear with a pink, high-waisted linen Loeffler Randall skirt (can you tell I am a fan), but I wore it today with skinny black J Brands, woven pink snakeskin Beirn flats and half tucked in to give a peak of my patent leather, blush-colored J. Crew belt. I have a feeling this shirt is going to take me all the way through summer, and I'll do a little photojournalism of how it carries me.

Shape Up & Ship Out!

It's almost summer, and you know what that means. Magazines everywhere are giving us 5,921 reasons to "get in shape" for that perfect "bikini bod"! They'll give us a conditioning regimen, 4 or 5 moves for 10 or 12 reps, for that rock hard booty or flat as a board abs. And to this I say a big fat Clueless-inspired "WHAT.EVER."

When I'm talking shape up, I'm talking tribal accents, Aztec-inspired, geometric prints that are popping up left and right (like the cellulite dimples I'll likely sport on the shores...so be it!) I knew this trend was going to be huuuge when I saw the Marc by Marc Jacobs spring '10 collection.



L to R: Ukita Patchwork Skirt, $328; Iggy Sweater, $358; Diamond Strope Maillot, $142. All Marc by Marc Jacobs & available at Shopbop.com.

While I love the trend kinda-80's/kinda-tribal trend going on above, I don't really want to pay more than three bills for a sweater that might be misconstrued as one from Mr. Cosby's closet (no disrespect, MJ; just can't throw my funds at that). What I do want is to scour the racks at TJ Maxx, Marshall's and hell, even the thrift store, to find similar gems for less Gs. But for blogesphere & time's sake, I'll show the online goodies that straddle the line between Africa the continent and "Africa" the 80s tune by Toto.


L to R: Forever21 Woven Tribal Print Dress, $17.80; Design History Aztec Open-Front Sweater, $96 (on sale from $160); Urban Outfitter Tribal V-Neck Tee, $24

Double Vision

Loeffler Randall Metallic Sandals, $325 at Neiman Marcus

Kelsi Dagger Camellia Ankle-Strap Sandal, $84.95 at Endless.com

Creative geniuses? Coincidences? Comments?

These Boots Were Made for Savin'

Loeffler Randall Marti Buckle Boots, available at shopbop.com for $626.50 (on sale)

I will never forget the first time I spotted a pair of Loeffler Randall boots. My sister-in-law's impeccably chic friend Elizabeth was sporting a wonderfully wedged camel colored pair with a super-cool vest to top off the outfit. At that moment, I was hooked like the fashion-crazed fish I am. It just takes a bit of swimming around to find the (almost) equivalent at a lower price!

Since moving to Atlanta, I have visited the consignment shop Labels Resale Boutique several times (thanks to another impossibly chic friend named Elizabeth, coincidentally!) to whet my whistle for, what I like to call, "the thrill of the chase." There is something so rewarding to me about digging through racks and piles and boxes of inventory to find that special something...a seriously under-priced Bottega Veneta bag, an Hermes belt, a pair of Missoni flats.

One faithful day a few weeks ago, I did not quite make my Loeffler Randall digs dreams come true, but I did come pretty darn close. Check out these G-series moto boots I snagged for $30. An ounce more leather and I might convince myself I can handle a Harley.





In the past several weeks, I've worn these puppies more times than I can count, thanks to some rather erratic weather we've been experiencing. The colder temps lasting long into spring were almost...dare I say...enjoyable because I got to sport these boots for a little while longer than expected. Sure, they'll sit in the back of the closet as we'll soon fry eggs on the sidewalk in Atlanta. But for now, I've got a pretty cocky grin on my face for finding such a bitchin' pair of boots!

Taking In "The View"

Ever since Bob Barker stopped hosting "The Price Is Right", my interest in daytime TV went south. Don't get me wrong, I love starting my day with Meredith, Matt, Al and Ann on the "Today" show, but once Hoda & Kathie Lee come on at 10AM...it's all over for me (but trust me, you'll want to click the link).

So imagine my surprise when I was bored as hell waiting for an oil change and saw Marisa Tomei sporting these gorgeous nude booties on "The View"!
Simply LOVING their skeletal yet feminine look, I shrieked with glee realizing that we have a pair at by Anna Michelle at fab'rik that give Miss Tomei a run for her money.
Not only do these shoes completely elongate your leg (as most skin-toned heels will!), but I'm telling you, they are the most comfortable shoes I own! (What? Like you really thought I hadn't bought them already?) And for $36, this is trend you can easily follow...guilt-free!