On Board With Spring

Photo Compliments of Elle Magazine and whowhatwear.com/blog

Sailors, sailboats, anchors…call me cliché but I’ve always been into the nautical theme.  When I dressed up as a sailor for Halloween last year I went around spouting phrases like “ahoy matey” and saluted people, thinking that I was ever so clever.  It must be a combination of my love for the ocean and relaxed prep that draw me to this classic Summer style.  So how can you wear this look without looking like Gilligan?

To get your seafaring swag started, find a relaxed-fit striped shirt.  For this style you don’t want anything too clingy.  H&M, as well as just about every retailer right now, has a great selection of striped tops.  For classic stripes try this number; for a unique look try these contrasting stripes. 

For bottoms try cropped jeans, cropped trousers, or a flouncy skirt.  I like this version of boyfriend jeans because they’re slightly fitted and not too baggy like some.  Cropped trousers are another great option especially for their color versatility.  From rusty shades to pastels, all the colors of the rainbow are covered.  Or tuck your striped shirt into one of these adorable flouncy skirts.

Have fun with the shoes whether you wear flats or wedges.  I love this colorful pair of skimmers and this metallic pair, both from Piperlime.  Sperrys are quintessential for the preppy look we’re going for.   And these wedges will not only be perfect for the nautical look, they’ll become a staple for you this season.

Lastly, top it all off with fun accessories.  I wish I looked better in hats because they’re the perfect addition to this look.  Anthropologie has unique fedoras and Forever 21 has tons of great wide brim hats.  Other accessories that play up this look include this necklace, bracelet, and clutch.

There are so many ways to personalize this look; just remember it’s all about looking casual yet pristine.  To get more inspiration check out this Elle photo shoot.

Monday Must-Haves

This past week was anything but relaxing, between catching up on school work that should have been completed before spring break and sorting through my overflowing inbox at work.  Though this week looks to be shaping up to be the same, I’m keeping in mind all that I have to be thankful for and focusing on my haves rather than have-nots.  My haves this week: 

1.   JewelMint.  This jewelry collection, co-owned by Kate Bosworth, has been everywhere lately (see here and here), and for good reason.  Jewelry is specially picked to match your personal style and each item costs only $29.95!  I ordered the earrings and bracelet below, which are currently on sale two for the price of one.  Join here and happy shopping.

2.   Songs for Japan.  There are no words to describe the devastation in Japan.  From the images of the wreckage caused by the tsunami to the news updates about extremely dangerous radiation levels, I think we all want to reach out and help the people of Japan.  For only $9.99 you can download this 38-song album on iTunes, which features everyone from John Lennon to Beyoncé, and all proceeds go directly to the Japanese Red Cross.  It’s a great addition to my iTunes library and made me realize that Bieber songs really aren’t all that bad.  

3.   Miss Dior Cherie.  This is one of my two favorite perfumes and with its beautiful floral scent it’s my go-to fragrance for Spring and Summer.  Miss Dior Cherie exudes femininity and is neither too strong nor too light.  Thanks to my parents, I have a brand new large bottle to keep me covered through the coming months.    

Liege Waffles

After last week’s vacation and a wonderful weekend visit from my parents, my boyfriend and I were sad to see such an amazing and memorable week come to an end.  But rather than dive back into reality and the hustle and bustle of our lives we decided to end the weekend with a perfectly lazy Sunday.  We had all the makings for our favorite Liege waffle recipe, paired that with bacon and mimosas, stuffed our faces and watched Travel Channel’s best beaches marathon (just to make the end of vacation sting a little more). 

If you’ve ever been to Belgium then you know a good Liege waffle when you taste one, and this recipe delivers.  The waffles turn out light and fluffy on the inside with a caramelized coating from the pearl sugar on the outside.  They are reminiscent of the waffles you pick up on street carts in Belgium and could just as easily be served as breakfast or dessert.  No maple syrup needed. 

Funktional

Photo Compliments of Revolveclothing.com

I recently discovered Funktional, a relatively new L.A.-based brand that combines practical, easy-to-wear clothes with a city girl edge.  I’ve been coveting the outfit above, styled by Revolve Clothing, for its clean silhouette mixed with its slightly funky aesthetic.  Although the dress is sold out (sad face), there’s much more to look forward to from this brand.  I was completely enthralled with the sneak peak of Funktional’s Spring 2011 collection (as seen below) which shows off the brand’s expertise in mixing flowy with fitted and feminine with masculine.  Keep an eye out because this is definitely a brand to watch.

Photo Compliments of blog.blackmarketla.com

Vacation Blues

Palm trees at Coronado

After vacation I’m usually itching to get home so that I can sleep in my own bed and detox after overindulging while away.  Not this time.  Something was different about SoCal.  I saw and experienced so much during my week in San Diego, and did my fair share of overindulging, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there is still so much more to SoCal that I have yet to discover.  Maybe it was that I encountered some of the nicest people I’ve ever met or maybe it was the endless shorelines and beaches, being in San Diego almost felt as comfortable as home.

Flamingos at the San Diego Zoo

Fin-shaped tortilla chips in La Jolla

Cave at Sunset Cliffs

Stay Classy

Spring Break has officially begun, and to make up for doing absolutely nothing but school work last Spring Break I'm heading to sunny San Diego this go around.  After spending at least 2 hours trying on and picking through outfit options I'm almost packed and ready to go for tomorrow's flight.  My goals for the trip include finding the best Mexican food and adopting the locals' laid back attitude.  I'm so excited and can't wait to share the trip with you all when I get back!

Photo Compliments of Pinterest.com

Sealed With A Kiss

Photo Compliments of rachelzoe.com

Hand written letters are a thing of the past but thanks to Expressionary.com's collaboration with Izak Zenou, stationary is stylish once again!  I absolutely love this website and happily discovered (through Rachel Zoe) this fabulous new line of stationary that includes cards and invitations, among other things.  My favorites are the Tan Lines note set for the beach girl in me and the Cat and Mouse invitations because who doesn’t love a costume party.  Over the past few years I've gotten out of the habit of sending cute little cards to my friends who live far away, but this is just the inspiration I need to get back into it.  I mean who wouldn't love receiving a note the old fashioned way on this glamorous stationary?!

Photo Compliments of latimesblog.com

Award Winning Fashion

Now that award show season is officially over, it’s time to take a look back at the trends that wowed on the red carpet and bring those trends home to your closet.  Even though I was entirely underwhelmed by the dresses at the Oscars (just another reason, in addition to these, that the Golden Globes are better), overall this has been my favorite awards season in terms of fashion by far.  The number of best dressed stars way outnumbered the number of worst dressed, and all the major trends from the red carpet are easily incorporated into your wardrobe.  From gem hues to simple silhouettes, you’ll be looking award show ready whether you’re going to a black tie event or brunch with the girls.

Mila Kunis in Vera Wang at the Golden Globes

Trends: Gem hues, Skin tight fits, Shoulder accents

Affordable Lookalike: Asos $71.72

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Amber Riley in Anne Barge at the SAGs

Trends: Mermaid gowns, Feather accents

Affordable Lookalike: Unique Vintage $196

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Emma Stone in Calvin Klein Collection at the Golden Globes

Trends: Citrus shades, Minimalist structures

Affordable Lookalike: Asos $44.83

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Gwyneth Paltrow in Calvin Klein Collection at the Oscars

Trends: Shimmery metallics

Affordable Lookalike: Asos $53.79

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Mila Kunis in Alexander McQueen at the SAGs

Trends: Floral prints, Rosey red shades, Sweetheart neckline

Affordable Lookalike: eDressMe $258

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