December Budget

The most wonderful time of the year (as well as the year itself) is coming to a close, and I am sitting here in a bit of a consumption coma. Lots of buying happened this month -- many gifts, of course, and many purchases for myself. I hit the after-Christmas sales. Hard.

I'd tried to avoid shopping too much over the past month or two because I knew prices would be great after the holidays, and they were. I missed a few items due to sell out (and a number of items mentioned aren't linked below because they are now out of stock), but I think it's just fate reminding me I can't have everything.

Starting Budget: $250 ($200 of my regular monthly budget, plus $50 because I returned this sweater and these shoes purchased previously)

H&M Jeweled Sweater ($10, on sale) -- this is my favorite buy this month (a tough call to make because I love sooo many things). The color is so rich and gorgeous -- I think it would look great on many people, but in particular I think it is really striking on brunettes. I've already worn it twice, once for Christmas morning brunch (over leggings and sparkly slippers) and once for an impromptu holiday gathering with high school friends (with ponte pants and chunky black pumps). I'm considering buying another one because the price is ridiculous (the one I bought was size large, which was very roomy and oversized; a medium would be more fitted, perfect with jeans or dress pants).

H&M Printed Sweater ($8, on sale) -- a simple little lounge top, perfect with leggings for lazy weekends (or weekdays, honestly, since I work from home). Nice for layering on those rare chilly Florida mornings. I like the stars :)

Anthropologie Splitneck Henley ($50, on sale) -- I've been eyeing this since September and I finally caught my size in stock for a great price. I got the large because I wanted it to be roomy and oversized -- reviews are very accurate in that it runs small (at least one size, maybe two).

Ava + Viv Sequin Skirt ($35) -- you never know where you'll find a gem. A friend of mine showed up to a holiday party wearing this amazing skirt and I all but snatched it off of her when she walked in the room. It is that perfect piece that is fancy but not fussy. When she told me it was from Target my eyes about popped out of my head, and I was floored to hear it was from their new-ish plus size line Ava + Viv. Plus size options are typically the worst so good on you Target for designing this winner. I wasn't sure the skirt would fit me (I can range from a 6 to a 12 depending on brand but mostly fall into 8s and 10s), but I ordered the smallest size they had (X, which is a 14-16) and crossed my fingers. Success! What helps is that it has an elastic waist, creating a much more forgiving fit. I'm also a bit pear-shaped, so the hips that I am always cursing come to the rescue here. I'm also experimenting with pinning it a bit on the side for a more secure fit. It's great little party skirt and looks much more expensive than it's price tag -- I can't wait to wear it with a simple button down blouse, a little velvet blazer, and even a graphic tee. So many possibilities.

H&M Printed Sweatshirt ($20, on sale) -- I don't know why, I just wanted it. I like my loungewear, what can I say?

Loft Speckled Shirt ($17, on sale) -- a twist on a basic black sweater -- the speckled print adds a bit of interesting texture.

H&M Sequin Sweater ($35) -- I loved this so much I paid full price. This rich emerald green color is my kryptonite (it's deeper and prettier in person), and I liked the placement of large paillettes. It's fun and festive without being too over the top.

H&M Cable Knit Cardigan ($20, on sale) -- I've been searching for an ivory cable knit cardigan for about a year (it's on my wish list!). I'm not big on belting things, so I'll probably wear it with the belt tied in the back.

J. Crew Striped Shirt with Bow Detail ($24, on sale) -- I have too many striped shirts, but I have NONE that are tied in the back with shimmery ribbon bows. I couldn't not buy this. The fact that I waited until it went on sale is basically a miracle (I'm expecting the Dope Pope to nominate me for sainthood any day now). This got scooped up fast in J. Crew's 40% off sale sale, so it was totally worth my being late for a family brunch while I furiously loaded things in my card and whipped my credit card out.

J. Crew Tippi Sweater ($35, on sale) -- I've never owned a Tippi sweater, but I know several devotees and I feel like this will easily work into my existing wardrobe (pairing with the jeans, pants, and leggings I wear almost daily). This bright ocean color is beyond gorgeous.

J. Crew Parker Crossbody ($47, on sale) -- I've never seen this bag in person but I am hoping it is as sweet and lovely as it seems in the photo. The lipstick pink color is punchy but not too saccharine sweet.

J. Crew Boatneck Tee ($20, on sale) -- Pink and orange is my favorite color combo, and it's unusual to see these sort of candy colors paired in a classic Breton stripe tee. I'll be saving it for spring and summer, it seems ideal for those early warm nights.

H&M Jacquard Knit Sweater ($13, on sale) -- an impulse buy. I'd seen it in store a few weeks ago and it seemed so cozy. I'm not sure I'll get many chances to wear it this year (hello insanely warm winter), but it is making me want to plan some sort of ski trip so I can rock while drinking cocoa in the lodge (I don't actually ski, but I'm an apres-ski pro).

Gap Cozy Bold Stripe Scarf ($12, on sale) -- I couldn't stop thinking about it after posting about it weeks ago. It's a want more than a need, making it a perfect after Christmas buy.

Forever 21 Beaded Jacket ($50) -- looks so much more expensive than it was. Perfect topper over a tank and jeans for easy nights out.

Anthropologie Celestial Slippers ($44) -- a little gift for myself. Fancy slippers are a happy little luxury. These are on a nice sale and would be great to pick up as a gift for Christmas 2016 (yes, I sometimes buy gifts a year in advance. I'm sure that is stage one hoarding, but I don't care).

Total: $388

I'm about $100 over, which isn't ideal but it could have been worse. Also, a number of these items haven't arrived yet so I do think there's a chance that one or two may end up being returned.

I thought I'd also mention a few items I got for Christmas -- they are already very happy additions to my wardrobe!

This bag doesn't look like it came from H&M, and it does a good job of scratching my itch for a Marc Jacobs hobo. I've been dying for a black watch plaid blanket scarf -- this one looks great with basic black and navy tops. I have these earrings in green and wear them a lot, so I know this coral pair will get a lot of love. And I love this palette of cool shadows from Buxom (they have a primer built in, which is great because I am lazy about that sort of thing).

Hope you had a wonderful December and most importantly, enjoyed spending time with the people you love. I've always thought of myself as a fairly grateful person -- I have a generally happy life filled with amazing friends and family, and I don't take them for granted even for a minute. Still, this time of year provides an even better reminder that what matters most in life is the people you share it with and the good work that you do. So while it's fun to collect beautiful baubles and sparkly skirts, they're just a bit of icing on the cake.

Linking with Fran and the budgeting bloggers - I'm so curious to see what fun things everyone found this month!

The three coats you need this winter (and one that you should think about...)

I've never liked winter, but I LOVE coats. Moving to Florida has never made a winter coat less important, but it doesn't stop me from drooling over them and building an incredible fantasy coat wardrobe in my head (note: can fantasy wardrobes be a thing? They'd be at least a million times more fun than fantasy football). If you live in a state with a real winter, now is the time to make sure your coat situation is handled. This season there are three silhouettes that you'll want in your closet: a classic duffle coat, a moto cocoon coat, and a great puffer coat.

Here are my favorites in store right now -- wear them fabulously and let me live vicariously through you.

Classic Duffle

This is the coat of my high school years, and whether it's nostalgia or a desperate attempt to cling to my youth, this style seems super fresh to me right now. Uniqlo makes amazing coats, and their classic take on a duffel is pretty perfect -- the cherry red has a bit of a Red Riding Hood vibe and would look amazing with rosy winter cheeks. You can't go wrong with a camel colored wool coat, and this one from ASOS is lovely. I probably wouldn't wear it with shorts, but that's your call. And leave it to J. Crew to make a dreamy pink version -- it's sold out online, but keep your eye out for it in stores or online popbacks. There are other colors too, but, that pink...

Moto Cocoon

This is really my favorite coat silhouette right now -- take a traditional moto jacket and blow up the scale to create a shape that is modern and interesting. This version from Banana Republic has a great neutral color and could be dressed up or down. H&M has a nice affordable take on this style in a few colors, including this pretty cranberry tweed. Madewell offers this shape in a few solid colors, but I like this lumberjack red plaid pattern (similar to a Band of Outsiders coat that would definitely make the cut in my fantasy closet). Note: all reviews indicate the fit can be a little tricky, so you may want to try on several sizes to get just the right slouchy chic fit.

Chic Puffer

I hate puffer coats, but when those single digit winds are blowing in your face, sometimes you just have to suck it up. But you don't have to throw on any old sleeping bag with sleeves -- a sleek, streamlined version will make proper winter dressing much more bearable. The small-scale quilting of this Via Spiga hooded coat really cuts down on dreaded the Stay-Puft Marshmallow effect. Once again, Uniqlo has a fantastic option. Their featherlight down is incredibly thin -- like, "how do they do that??" thin -- but will keep you toasty warm, and they offer a number of shapes and colors. Navy is kind of sporty (and a bit slimming), but there are some great jewel tones available as well. And leave it to Kate Spade to find a way to make a big puffy coat a bit more twee -- they put a bow on it! If you're looking for a better price, check their outlet stores -- I saw a similar version this weekend for about half the price.

So now that you have the essential shapes covered, you might want something a bit more fun. Like a cape. No, really.

This probably isn't going to be your everyday outwear...but at the right time, a cape is pretty amazing. It acts like a fabulous frame for your look and adds the right amount of drama. Capes are definitely having a moment, and here are my favorites in store right now...

This military-inspired classic black cape is really just one step away from a traditional peacoat, so it's an easy way to give this shape a try. The mod styling of this Boden cape will definitely turn heads. And this rich tobacco colored option with a faux fur collar is the perfect topper for holiday party looks or your favorite jeans and striped tee.

Fall Uniform

I've always loved the idea of a uniform. If I'd had my way, I would have been a NYC private school kid -- Brooklyn, not Upper East Side -- wearing a preppy jacket and a plaid skirt (hiked up just a little too high) every day. It didn't happen, but I today I definitely rely on a few favorite wardrobe formulas to make dressing easier.

My summer uniform was pretty easy and unfussy, as summer dressing should be. Fall is a little more complicated. I like an outfit that has dimension and looks a bit more intentional. Since I work from home, my weekday look is not at all blog worthy. But occasionally I do get dressed! This is my go-to look for evening and weekend plans: a mix of masculine and feminine details, easy layers and a flattering silhouette.

Jackets are a major wardrobe staple for me, particularly perfect in the fall, so I usually start with a structured jacket. Something with nice clean lines that creates a great shape -- a tough moto jacket, a relaxed boyfriend jacket, or a nipped in blazer are perfect.

Next, a soft, flowy top -- something with a little ruffle, a little lace, a pretty detail. I love this ruffled collar blouse (especially with the tough leather jacket). This blousy tunic with lace trim can be tucked in or left loose. And I can't decide what I love best about this jade green top, the delicate ruffled sleeves or the deep rich color. So pretty (and on sale!).

Skinny jeans are definitely not my favorite denim shape but here, they're perfect. You just want to create a nice sleek silhouette and draw attention to the more interesting parts of your look. Pick a pair that's flattering and comfortable -- maybe distressed grays, a relaxed boyfriend cut, or a sleek straight leg option.

I love an opportunity to show off my shoes and a great heel is definitely called for -- these round-toe black patent leather pumps are super versatile, these classic Jimmy Choo pointy-toe heels are on a wish list that I've buried deep, deep in my heart, and these tortoise shell beauties are fun.

Since this is a pretty relaxed look, I like to have an easy hands-free bag with me. Maybe the bar will be crowded, maybe we'll change locations a couple of times, maybe I'll need both hands for snacks (let's be real, that's the most likely scenario)...regardless, it's nice to not be the girl always fussing with her purse. I've been dying for this adorable little metallic crossbody bag to go on sale -- perfectly tiny and fancy. My python obsession lives to see another season, and this flat clutch is so easy to tuck under your arm. And this little envelope bag is versatile, great for day or night.

Finally, a few accessories to pull everything together. These little studs and pretty stack of rings are perfect for a black and white look. I will never get sick of this watch (super bargain version here) -- so perfect here, right? This cuff bracelet is simple but interesting.

There you have it, an easy formula for weekend dressing...just add shenanigans!

Weekend To Do List

Happy Sunday Funday, kids! Did you spend your entire weekend eating delicious foods? I did! I have a birthday coming up, which for me is an excuse to just stuff my face. 

1. I was up bright and early on Friday morning (seriously -- alarm went off at 3:30) to fly to New York for a long weekend. I was home by 10am and set up a makeshift office in my childhood bedroom for a full day of work. It was a loooonnggg day, but I made it through and headed out for Birthday Dinner #1, a cozy little dinner with my family. We went to Toast, a great little restaurant near my parents' house. It's everyone's favorite breakfast spot by day and perfect spot for drinks and dessert by night. Their dinner menu includes entrees, tapas-style sharing dishes, and cheese plates -- we ordered a bunch of things and shared some tasty bites. The food was great, but I wanted to save plenty of room for dessert: chocolate fondue. We ordered the milk chocolate fondue, which came with an enormous platter of fruit, cookies, marshmallows, rice krispy treats, and an entire funnel cake. Perfection.

2. I spent Saturday in the city, soaking up the gorgeous fall weather and catching up with friends. It is weird to feel a little bit like a tourist in a city that has been home to me for most of my adult life, but it's been more than 2 years since I was a resident and New York is a city that changes every single day. Being in NYC means being surrounded by the familiar (never get tired of walking through Bryant Park on a sunny Saturday) and the unfamilar (there's a third H&M on 34th Street now?!?). Happily, my subway game is still strong -- got a seat on each ride, and knew which car would be closest to the exit at my destination station.

High on my to-do list was the John Singer Sargent exhibit at The Met. My undergrad and graduate degrees are in art history and my master's thesis was on Sargent portraits, so this was a treat. I met my best friend Sara on the museum steps on a perfect fall afternoon for some serious art-ing. It was a gorgeous show, and then we did a lap of some of our favorite permanent galleries -- photography! Egyptian carvings! Impressionists! It was like speed dating for fine art. I wish we'd had more time, but stop number two was equally important: lunch. Last year we discovered the best Cobb salads in New York City hiding in fun, low-key little Mexican restaurant and it's our favorite lunch spot whenever we get together. The key is that they are SO generous with the good stuff: chicken, bacon, avocado. Yum.

3. If you're a regular reader, you've probably figured out I'm not the kind of girl who can live on salad alone (even if had about half an avocado on it -- seriously, SO generous). I am proud to say I completed the NYC street food hat trick while running around all day: a hot dog (procured from a cart in front of The Met, because we needed a little sustenance before art-ing), a giant pretzel (scarfed down after elbowing a ton of tourists in H&M). and a Mr. Softee cone (as a reward for a great day). Those are the street foods I am always craving, so why not knock them out in one day? I didn't wear my Fitbit, but I'm pretty sure I walked at least a million steps over the course of the day and easily burned it all off.

4. After lunch, Sara and I did a little power shopping. We hit some of our favorite spots, and even though I might have said something to the effect of "I'm just going to browse...", I left with a few gems. My favorite is this gorgeous little top from H&M. It a really rich, sophisticated shade of green with delicate detailing at the neck and sweet little gossamer ruffles at the sleeves. Perfect on its own, great under a blazer. You'll see the rest of my purchases in Monday's September budget roundup.

5. And today, more eating, more celebrating. I started with brunch with extended family at one of our favorite spots that offers an enormous buffet of Mediterranean dishes and classic breakfast foods. The mimosas are a great touch and always lead to some silly conversations. Everyone leaves with big smiles and full bellies. 

After a nice nap, I was ready for Birthday Dinner #2 with one of my oldest friends and her five (yes, 5?) kids. Christy and I have been friends since 5th grade and I love catching up with her when I'm home. We took a picnic dinner to a local playground (and enjoyed a little adult conversation while the little ones climbed, swung, and slid) and then headed to a carnival. I kind of love carnival games, and I had a blast watching the kids ride all of the stomach churning rides they could handle. Ah, to be young and stupid and willing and able to be spun around like a top over and over again.

Going to bed with a happy heart and happy belly -- it's so nice to be home and be with some of my favorite people on earth. I have a few more days in New York, including a few more birthday dinners (and CAKE!!!!). This week I'll begin a brand new year on this earth, and I'm sure it is going to be a great one.

Fall Wishlist Part VIII

7. Crisp White Blazer

Unless you're my college roommate, you know that wearing white after Labor Day ain't no thang. So don't be afraid to do it. And a white blazer can be a really useful piece, a great way to pull toghether your look.

J. Crew Regent Blazer -- the lines are super sharp, and slightly longer length and single button create a really nice lean line.

H&M Peplum Jacket -- peplum was everywhere last year, but if it is a flattering silhouette on you, don't worry about whether it's trendy or not. This soft peplum would look great with pants or skirts.

Modcloth I Glam Hardly Believe It Blazer -- I love the military inspired buttons, and the sexy feminine cut.

Topshop 'Poppy' Collarless Blazer -- a cool, modern shape that's perfect for work or play.

The beauty of this blazer is that you can throw it over just about anything. For example...

For an easy weekend look, I'd throw this blazer on top of my favorite new tee and jeans. Some chunky, heavy accessories keep it from looking too summery. The same blazer would also be perfect over a simple, tailored dress. You'll look crisp and polished, and everyone will notice your amazing bag and shoes.

8. Wes-Inspired

I've never been a huge Wes Anderson fan, but the fashion world is perpetually enamored with his very specific quirky-misfit style. There were a number of fall collections that seemed to draw inspiration from Anderson's oddball characters (including, quite surprisingly, Gucci), and I have seen that influence in pieces that are in stores right now. If you're game, consider adding a bit of retro, off-beat inspiration to your look.

H&M Lace Dress -- great vintage looking skater dress. Your mom probably wore something really similar in the 70s.

Modcloth Home on the Driving Range Top -- with baby barrettes and a shit ton of eyeliner, you could be Margot Tenenbaum's long lost sister.

Boden Panel Vintage Tunic Dress -- this dress is sporty and playful, and you'd probably find a million excuses to wear it.

Tory Burch Sport Performance Merino V-Neck Sweater -- I can't help but be drawn to this sporty, preppy sweater -- did I tell you I was captain of my high school tennis team?

So assuming you're not just shopping for your Halloween costume, how do you wear these pieces? Let's play...

If you want to embrace your quirky side, you can experiment with pattern mixing and introducing a pop or two of color. You could layer a printed shirt underneath dress and have fun with some bright Mary Jane heels. It's a lot of look, but mixing shades of blue and brown makes it very possible. If you're not ready to go quite that far, a pretty color block cardigan creates a more demure look. I'd throw on a cool necklace and d'orsay flats for a cool mod work look.

Fall Wishlist Part III

5. Retro Denim

If there's one trend that seems like a no-brainer, it's the cool, retro 70's vibe that seems to be infusing the racks this season. The disco era gave us plenty of hideous fashion, but if you extract just a few of the best shapes, the right color palette, and the boho spirit of the 70's, you end up with some great pieces that work with a modern closet.

Case in point, a great button front denim skirt -- if you just add one piece to your wardrobe this fall, consider this one. It seems like everyone made a version of it; it's versatile, flattering, fun. It will seem very on-trend right now, but it has a timelessness that means you'll be able to pull it out of your closet for many seasons to come.

Alexa Chung x AG Cool Denim Skirt -- I mean, the name says it all. It's cool. If you're a fan of Alexa Chung's modern manic pixie dream girl vibe, this is the one for you. A little on the long side, but still slim and chic.

A.P.C. Button Front Denim Skirt -- something about the way the buttons extend all the way to the hem makes this seem like the quintessentially French version of this skirt. A perfect little weekend staple.

River Island 70's A-line Button Skirt -- this mini version gives you plenty of room to play with fun tights (and you'll love it all over again once summer rolls around).

ASOS Denim True Midi Skirt with Pockets -- a longer, slinkier version in great pale wash.

I already looked at some options for styling this skirt, but since it's so versatile, let's try a few more...

I miss those New York lazy weekend days when you'd head out for coffee and then maybe do some window shopping, walk through the park, check out the new exhibit at The Met, and find a spot for a long, leisurely dinner. Throw on this skirt with a cute sweater and comfy sandals and you're ready for all of it. With a print blouse, little jacket, and chunky shoes you'll have a perfect work look -- just add tights for those super cold days.

6. Cool Moto

As a Libra, I usually have an aversion to asymmetrical looks. You won't find any handkerchief hems or one shoulder dresses in my closet. But I LOVE a moto style jacket, which usually features uneven draping and a very prominent off-center zipper. Go figure. And apparently everyone loves pretending to be a bit of a biker, because moto jackets are everywhere right now. Here are a few of my favorites:

H&M Biker Jacket -- it is kind of amazing how good faux leathers can be. Totally classic style, teeny price.

H&M Wool Blend Coat -- I just saw this coat in my local store was tempted to snap it up right away. The traditional moto is fitted and hits right at the waist, but this long, oversized version is so cool.

Banana Republic Leather Buckle Moto Jacket -- I was eyeing two different blush leather jackets last year and I totally regret not pulling the trigger. While not a classic fall color, this pale pink color is fun and flattering.

Theory Kinde Leather Sleeve Moto Jacket -- I love the mix of materials and sleek shape.

A great leather jacket goes with everything, you don't really need to style it. But let's do it anyway...

Throw on a leather jacket over your favorite floaty dress and flats to toughen up a sweet look. A cute little date look, no? And I love doing the all black thing sometimes -- skinny jeans, good boots, a few simple accessories. An easy look when you have zero time to think but still want to look chic and pulled together.

Fall Wishlist: Part II

3. Versatile Black & White

No secret, black and white is my favorite color combo and a go-to palette all year long. It's chic, it's flattering, and it goes with everything. I've seen a lot of great graphic black and white pieces this season, so I'm hoping to add one or two to the ever-growing black and white section of my closet.

Anthropologie Ika Split Henley -- a great drape-y tunic that you'll wear every season.

Modcloth By Luck or Design Top -- a perfect work blouse that you could easily pair with jeans or leggings on the weekend.

Modcloth What's Avenue With You? Sweater -- I love the shape this sweet, fitted sweater creates. The stripes are just the right width, and the bow adds personality without being too wacky.

Peter Som Reeve Pullover -- cool and cozy.

For those last lingering days of summer, I'd pair this blouse with a pair of pale blue tweed pants (I bought a very similar pair a few months ago and they are so versatile) for a cool, airy office look. And I'd have some fun with accessories. Pairing black and brown can be tricky, so try using one as an accent -- a stack of wood tone bangles, tortoise flats, and a beige bag are unexpected but interesting.

I don't know why, but I immediately thought this top would be a great option for Thanksgiving dinner -- or maybe a fun Friendsgiving get together. When you add slim (but stretchy) leggings, you have a great outfit with plenty of room for seconds (and thirds). Since you'll be doing plenty of sitting, this is a perfect time to break out your favorite pretty-but-painful shoes. And how amazing is this little belted princess coat? (It's J. Crew -- will be watching for markdowns.)

4. Tailored Blazers

Another year-round favorite, blazers are just made for crisp fall days.

J. Crew Rhodes Blazer -- this is the updated version of the beloved Schoolboy Blazer, and it looks pretty great in photos. A classic you'll wear for years.

J. Crew Metallic Tweed Blazer -- great shape, cool texture, neutral color palette, with a hint of luxe metallic shimmer. Love.

H&M Fitted Blazer -- you don't necessarily need to take out a mortgage to get great looking blazer. I like the color and shape of this one from H&M.

Forever 21 Single Button Knit Blazer -- this soft, relaxed blazer is perfect for throwing over your weekend look when you need an extra layer.

I get jealous anytime I see my favorite bloggers bust out their Schoolboy Blazers, and I'm developing a serious crush on Rhodes. Let's see it in action...

This blazer is the perfect way to make your favorite summer shift office ready. With the right bag, shoes, and jewelry you'll have a really easy work uniform for early fall. I also love the idea of dressing a blazer up a bit. A little sequin tank peeking out underneath is fun and flirty but not over the top. Add skinny jeans and cute shoes and you're ready for dinner, drinks, whatever.

Wishlist/Shopping Bag

I've always had a taste for the finer things. Sadly, I've yet to have a bank account to match. Many times I just have to admire my luxe lusts from afar, but sometimes I luck out and fall in love with some spendy little piece that has a bargain-priced fraternal twin.

Here are some of the items on my champagne wishlist and the beer counterparts that are much more likely to end up in my shopping bag:

I adore these sweet but incredibly practical Stuart Weitzman peep-toe wedges. I feel like you could walk forever in them without sacrificing some fun and flirty style. At $400, they're probably a reasonable investment (SW shoes are well-made and should last for years), but not really in my budget right now. So I was pretty psyched to see this look-alike option at H&M for just $30. Same lipstick red color, same cork wedge, same peep-toe. This version seems slightly less comfortable -- the heel a little higher, the platform a little lower -- but a reasonable tradeoff for less than 1/10th of the price.

I discovered this cute little waist bag when I was looking for a good hands-free option for hitting the theme parks, and I loved the compact shape and mod perforated detail. Target made a verrrry similar style in a crossbody version that would also be a sleek and practical little bag.

I really love this graphic tote -- just a fabulous summer bag that you'd wear with a million things. It's interesting and practical and perfect in every way except for...wait, how much does it cost? Boo. Enter Forever 21 with very serviceable replica. The spirit is very much the same -- roomy tote, bold photorealistic palm tree print. I'm not sure that I love the pink and purple hues, but the price is definitely right.

Who doesn't dig a big bold crazy-old-lady tropical frond print? In my head I can pull off this funky jumpsuit...not sure I'm brave enough to actually go out in public, though. Again, Forever 21 has a much cheaper (and perhaps more practical) take on the trend. These separates would be fun to mix and match with other things in your wardrobe, and when worn together would give you that great wow factor.

I have the Facebook community to thank for this high-low pair. On the left, a sweet and feminine heel from the SJP line (and there's more than a little Carrie Bradshaw in these puppies). Nordstrom posted a picture on Facebook last month, and I noticed immediately that a number of ladies (and a few men) were lamenting in the comments about the lack of availability in larger sizes (preach!). One helpful commenter suggested checking out the pair on the right...from Payless!? Sure, the Christian Siriano pumps are not quite as elegant, but they could still be very fabulous if styled just right.

Wednesday Wishlist: Twinkle Toes

I'm a girl who likes a little sparkle, especially on my toes. Right now all I can see are pretty, glittery shoes for days. I'm going to need more room in my closet.

clockwise from top center:

Michael Kors Kayden Jelly Sandals ($69) -- I love a good jelly sandal (perfect in pink for fun summer hijinx), but this gold version is quite glamorous.

Steve Madden Aintso Sandals ($70) - simple leather band sandals are everywhere this summer. This mixed metallic pair is super versatile and interesting.

H&M Metallic Sneakers ($40) -- perfectly comfy and chic, a wonderful combination.

Belle by Siegerson Morrison Wanda Wedge ($225) -- I'm too old to mess around with cute shoes that are painful to walk in. These look so comfortable and would be sexy and sharp peeking out from under wide-leg trousers.

Fillia Cabot Clog Slides ($390) -- I've always loved the classic Dr. Scholl's exercise sandals, and these seem like a slightly more refined take on those cute-but-clunky favorites. 

Alice and Olivia Giovanna Star Booties ($270, on sale) -- these are equal parts "look at me" and "don't fuck with me". In other words, perfect.

Won Hundred Flatform Sandals ($365) -- I want to walk miles and mile and miles in these.

Wedge-Heeled Leather Sandals ($60) -- all business on the top, all party on the bottom.

Kate Spade Leonia Sandals ($198) -- espadrilles are so classic for summer, but the metallic gold leather and rattan-like cutouts add a funky twist.

Steve Madden Rundown Joggers ($109) -- these are part of the Iggy Azalea collection, which helps explain why they are absolutely ridiculous. I have no explanation as to why I absolutely love them.

Summer Uniform

Last year I made an impulse purchase during one of Loft's fabulous flash sales: a silky black long-sleeved romper. I'd never worn one before, but it seemed like the kind of thing that would come in handy in a year-round summer climate. It was dirt cheap, so even if I only wore it a few times it would be a reasonable investment. Spoiler alert: I fucking loved it and wore the hell out of it.

This romper is so flattering and so versatile, I'm planning to buy a second one because it is just the easiest summer uniform. It is the perfect blank canvas for all of your favorite accessories -- do yourself a favor and buy one (check out some of the best options in store right now).

Here's how I mix and match shoes, jewelry, and bags so that no one even notices that I'm wearing the same thing three days in a row*:

*this may be wishful thinking, but no one has called me out on it...yet

Start With Shoes

I like to start with shoes here because I think they'll kind of dictate the overall vibe of your look -- is it dressy, casual, or something in between? Also, when you're wearing all black and showing a lot of leg, your shoes are just going to pop. They'll probably be the first thing people notice, so make sure they are fabulous!

The question I always need to answer is: how much walking am I going to be doing? I can't stand uncomfortable shoes, and I don't want to be that girl hobbling down the street for the sake of a cute pair of sandals. Play with color, heel height, and style -- almost anything works here (steer clear of pumps -- they have a way of making shorts look kind of trashy). Here are some of my favorite options in stores right now. They couldn't be more different (ranging in price from $11-$800), and yet they would all be amazing.

simple: one/two/three/four  walkable: one/two/three/four  
sport: one/two/three/four  sky high: one/two/three/four

Add Plenty of Jewelry

The beauty of a simple outfit is that you can truly never have enough jewelry. Pile it on! More is more.

The neckline of this particular Loft romper doesn't lend itself particularly well to necklaces, so I tend to stick to rings, bracelets, and earrings. But just think of the possibilities: an armful of bangles in a rainbow of colors, or Wonder Woman-style thick gold cuff on each wrist.

Try breaking out one -- or a few -- of your big cocktail rings (even during the day), or stack a bunch of delicate ones. At night, I love piling my hair on top of my head to show off a great pair of earrings.

funky: one/two/three  bold: one/two/three  stacked: one/two/three  delicate: one/two/three

Show Off a Great Bag

Once you have your shoes and jewelry sorted out, it should be easy to figure out the right bag. You can get away with anything from a sleek clutch to a big bold tote -- summer bags are just the most fun, aren't they?

classic: one/two/three  graphic: one/two/three   airy: one/two/three  

Here are a few ways I'm going to wear my romper this week summer: