Summertime Blues

Between going through vacation withdrawal {even though it was super short, it sure was sweet} and realizing that I have a million summer things with tags on and its already August...it seemed appropriate to break out this tunic and my silver sandals. To make it less beachy and more casual work appropriate, I threw on PANTS. Yes, I do actually own pants. Shocking I know....

Tunic: d.ra {on sale at Urban Outfitters!} // Pants: Frame Denim 'le Skinny de Jeanne'

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Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Super Duper' // Sandals: Sam Edelman 'Trina'

Toenail polish: Zoya 'America'

{sidenote: these are beyond comfortable. BEYOND}

Neon Party

Dress: J. Crew

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Nail Polish: Essie 'Bikini so Teeny' // Ring: H&M {which ripped the dress right after the photo...} 

// Bracelet: Forever 21

Sunglasses: Asos // Sandals: J. Crew {on sale!} // Toenail Polish: Essie 'She's Pampered'

Color Crush

I got this dress years back at one of my favorite stores in San Francisco, Ambiance. It was blocks from where my parents used to live and always had a great selection of unique but affordable pieces. Have yet to find somewhere quite the same here...

Most importantly though, I FINALLY got a new couch. Aside from being way more grown-up, its also much better for the outfit shots. Not as good as ACTUAL photos outside {or at least minus the fake walls} but its a start.

Jacket: Kulson // Dress: BB Dakota {try this or this}

Necklace: Anthropologie {almost identical here} // Bracelet: J. Crew

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Shoes: Pour La Victoire {almost identical here...and on sale!} // Bag: Zara {similar here, fancy version here}

A Blank Canvas and a Work of Art

This necklace personifies the power of a statement piece. Its so spectacular that anything other than a plain white tee just seemed to distract from it. Granted, I still attempted to pull an outfit together, but it was all about neutrals to showcase this beauty.

Instead of piling on accessories, I kept it minimal (for me at least.) I tend to either be in bold colors, or all black, so this is a nice little palette cleanser. My mind is already all over anything and everything leather (real or faux), so you can expect to be seeing a lot more!

T-shirt: Old Navy // Skirt: Forever21 {similar in black from Asos} // Cuff: Forever21

Necklace: Lulu Frost 'Absinthe' Necklace {try this or this}

Nail Polish: Essie 'Fiji'

Shoes: Sam Edelman 'Yelena' // Toenail Polish: Face Stockholm 'Glowing Glowing Gone'

Going Global

Between the somewhat tribal print and the South African necklace, I felt a little more worldly and a little less city. Of course, the fact that I had taken the day off contributed to this vacation feel, but I'd like to think the outfit was partly responsible.
I was iffy on drop-waist dresses for a while. Sure they are crazy comfortable but I was worried I would look like I was trying to make a potato sack chic. As always, Tibi came through with this fabulous swingy dress, which hopefully looks as good as it feels! Chalk one up for a new-found open-mindedness (however I still refuse to change my mind on overalls...)


Dress: Tibi {try this or this} // Necklace: Gift from South Africa
{This also counts as the before shot prior to my haircut}

Nail Polish: Essie 'In the Cab-Ana'

Sandals: Dolce Vita {similar here and here} // Nail Polish: Essie 'Hotshot'

Sunglasses: Karen Walker 'Number One'

Also, guess who FINALLY got a haircut?!

City Safari

I'm a sucker for a good consignment score (well, who isn't?) so when I found this top and skirt at Secondi, totaling less than $100, I couldn't resist. While I always find cute items there, it can still be a little pricey for this gal. My lavender Milly jacket ended up matching really well-- a pleasant surprise since it was before my morning espresso.

I love how sometimes all it takes are a few new-to-me items to make old stand-bys feel fresh again. Of course, shopping in my own closet is why I always have a hard time getting rid of anything (hey, a silver sequin tunic will be practical one day.) 

One day, I'll be ruthless and commit to The Great Closet Purge. One day.

Jacket: Milly {similar and on sale here!} // Top: J. Crew {love this sequin tank version}

// Skirt: Milly {similar}

Necklace: Etsy // Bracelets: J. Crew

Purse: Marc Jacobs Stam // Sandals: Vince Camuto