I have been MIA. I understand, but can't help it. I barely have time to see people outside of work. Hopefully it will get better, but probably not! Anyways, to the important things - I finally have a post!
This is literally what I am wearing today. We've been experiencing brisk mornings and slightly windy days here in Atlanta, so I've begun layering! I absolutely love these J.Crew vests. I bought my first one a few years ago when they were initially introduced and grabbed a couple more this year when Factory released them (couldn't help it, especially since the price has jumped significantly with the newer versions). I just ordered this dress from Loft and can't wait to wear it through fall with boots of all heights. Other news - I'm obsessed with these Kate Spade earrings I picked up in Vegas. They go with everything, but are a nice break from my usual everyday ones. I've also somehow misplaced my MK gold watch that I've had for years, so I've been eyeing these Kate Spade versions. Don't worry - they're on my Christmas list, which is also already done and sent off.
My 3 day work week is insane [tough life, I know], but before I head off to Vegas for my brother's 30th birthday [can't wait!!] I thought I'd share what I am wearing today.
Easy printed top, just enough to make it stand out more than your run-of-the-mill shirt. Comfy booties that I absolutely live in. My favorite skinny jeans. Basic gold jewelry. Once the temps cool off I'll add a waterfall cardigan, scarf, or blazer to the look. Comfort + put together always wins in my book.
I've long been a fan of fun sneaks. I used to wear all sorts of them in high school and college, but lately haven't sported much exciting footwear outside of the gym. The resurgence of fun, colorful, and mostly old school versions have my emotions bubbling up again. Although, I don't mind the wedge sneaker, I feel like it's overplayed, so I've been searching for the perfect [comeback] pair to get me back in the game.
Not to mention, lately whenever I'm traveling, I always think I would be most comfortable walking around cities in actual sneakers, but usually just shut up and pack my flats. Not horrible, but definitely easier on the eyes. Wouldn't it be nice if there was an awesome combination of both style and comfort, and not in a "Velcro makes life easier way?" I kind of gave up on my search until I saw Mindy Kaling's Instagram and freaked. My favorite Nike Frees in leopard?! Done. I just can't decide if I want the black/peach combo or the bring navy/pink. What should I get??
I travel a good bit, as you all have probably noticed, and am always looking for a heavy-duty carry-all that holds my purse items, magazines, books, and anything else I'll need while flying the friendly skies or driving the open roads.
I've had my eye on GiGi New York's Python Embossed totes (ranging from $320 - $475 with monogramming) for awhile. Mostly because they are the perfect combination of beauty and versatility (and because I can't afford this yet). SO, when I was browsing C. Wonder yesterday, I couldn't believe they had a near identical tote in an even better color: coral. This thing is that perfect blend of orange and red, mixed with a little neon. Not only was the color great, but monogramming is only $10. Sold. I immediately ordered the tote with gold thread and am now just patiently waiting it's arrival. Side note - the coral and cobalt colors are not online, but if you go to a local store/call most of them carry all three color options.
I think it is fair to say that I'm officially ready for fall. I noticed someone had pinned the highly covetable, but quickly unavailable, J.Crew herringbone puffer vest the other day and I immediately checked to see if it was, in fact, back in stock for fall. Nice little surprise? It's back, but at J.Crew Factory.
The thing I appreciate the most about J.Crew Factory curating their own line specifically for the outlet stores is the fact that they are good about bringing back popular pieces from the regular store at LOWER prices.
This time around, I snagged the herringbone vest [I have the dark green version from a few years back and wear it religiously] and spotted a TON more that I want to get my hands on. The wool mini I own in every color, but this camel...I figured I should round out the spectrum. I love their sweaters and own the gray one below, discussed here. As far as the other outerwear goes, I've come to realize that I love a good jacket. The one thing I'm missing is a bright color though. Problem solved with this gorgeous blue (and at a fraction of the J.Crew price).
I will flat out tell you all that in high school and college I had an insane obsession with designer handbags [granted, this time is also the time when I couldn't afford many of these items]. I still have that collection to this day, but find that I don't use them anymore. The bags I continue to use are my J. Crew leather handbags. These babies are in it for the long haul and have held up against my crazy lifestyle for years. They're also the bags I ALWAYS get compliments about.
It may seem like the J. Crew handbags are a pretty penny, but judging from their track records, it has been a smart investment on my part. Unlike, say, the designer ones I've had for just as long and have started to fall apart...
The one thing most people don't know about J. Crew handbags though is that they use the same Italian leather mills as Prada aka the same leather is used on both J. Crew's handbags and Prada's. Side note, and another leather fact, the leather used in Lexus cars is Coach. Okay, now back to the reason I posted.
I was scanning J. Crew's sale [additional 30% off with code SHOP30] and noticed two bags I've loved for a very long time included and in the most neutral, versatile colors offered. Snag them now. I'm seriously obsessed with my biennial hobo. You will not regret this decision. Both bags are $182 after the discount.
Tartine Satchel
Biennial Hobo
Over the weekend, I did my ritual of swinging by the Kohl's by my parents' house. I always wait to go to this one whenever I'm home because it puts the one in Atlanta to shame. Clean and usually a great inventory.
One of the steals I got while there were these Candie's nude strappy heels. I'd been looking for months for a pair exactly like these that aren't too tall and I had actually seen these featured in a magazine ad, but could never locate them. I have become obsessed with this style. The simplicity of it works with everything. Luckily, the fashion gods were looking out for me [or my mom?] because they had my size and they ended up being $20 with my mom's coupons.
They come in a variety of colors and "finishes." I'm currently wearing the nude patent pair and they have proven to be more than comfortable and very walkable [I say this because I have a black pair similar to these and they are TOO high to the point where I feel like I'm on stilts - not a good look]. At this price though, with or without coupons, you can get one or two, or even three, without breaking the bank. That's what I like to see.
I saw these leopard pants on pinterest and immediately traced the link. Thankfully, they were Banana Republic and not some crazy, overpriced brand because I HAD. TO. HAVE. THEM. Not to mention, all week BR's been doing 40% off promos on full-price items. Perfect.
I can't wait to wear these with sweaters, blouses, and basically anything else in my closet. For shoes, I plan on pairing them with basic pumps or sleek black booties. Speaking of shoes...how awesome are these two pairs from Target?! I was not expecting those when I went searching! The one thing I've realized after this purchase was that I can never have too much leopard in my life. Nothing over the top, but I just can't say no.
