Wear Thongs in Public!

...on your feet! (I crack myself up!) I live in a HOT climate, as I have mentioned in an earlier post, and dressing sparingly while maintaining a fashionable appearance is an art. I have taken to wearing flip flops when I am not a work, but I don't want to ruin a great outfit with grungy sandals, (chunky foam=eww). In addition, I am a tall gal, so I like flat sandals for day, but want to capture the more elegant vibe of a heeled sandal. Lots of criteria!, but being picky paid off and I found some fun options to share:

J.Crew leather Capri sandal, $39.50

The go-to sandal. Super thin and basic, this style is not a scene-stealer, but it goes as well with linen shorts as with a floral dress. (And they are on sale right now- yea!)


Vera Wang Lavender Label Nita Sandal, $195 ($136.50 at shopbop)

This is the next generation of the gladiator sandal. Instead of being weighty and chunky, this lil' number balances a sturdy heel with finely sculpted front straps, giving it substance derived from architecture rather than sheer mass. This pair would be great for an adult day-to-night option.


Diane von Furstenberg Jaya sandal, $79

Jelly sandals! These appeal to the grown-up in me, ("greige" color I love in a totally wearable design), as well as the kid in me, (I repeat- jelly sandals!) Also, Zappos has more color options, but they are on sale online at Nordstrom.

Any favorite summer sandals you've spotted? A shoe trend you are dying to try?

Resort Love

I love reading The Cut for fashion coverage that has a sarcastic undertone from time to time. (I appreciate fashion, but seriously, sometimes it is just insane and you need to take a step back and chuckle). I was checking out some of the resort collections they have posted recently and fell in love with the Giambattista Valli collection!

I love the use of animal prints, but not too much animal- restraint is key! If you know me, you know this outfit is basically what I wear to work everyday, but a million times more awesome! Giraffe print is my favorite so this abstract take is a no-brainer.


How cute is this little dress? Love the draping and the minimal, non-glaring use of print (again, yea for editing!). I know it's resort, but I think it would definitely transition into fall with tights/leggings or a blazer.


I am a sucker for draping. That's all I have to say about this Grecian-inspired number with great lines and elegant-yet-easy shape. And who wouldn't look awesome in it?!


Any favorite resort collections? Or are you looking forward to fall?

(Photos are from thecut, but most of the collections are also available for viewing on style.com)

Quinoa + Peppers = Food Bliss!

I love having a meal that is as healthy as it is satisfying. That harmonious combo does not occur often, so when it does, I get pretty excited. My friend* blogged about her quinoa-stuffed bell pepper recipe recently and it sounded intriguingly tasty, so I had to try it....

.....the result? It was so tasty that the peppers were gobbled up so quickly that no pictures were taken! I used yellow bell peppers (my favs!), chopped up one medium-sized red potato to replace one of the kinds of beans (she used garbanzo and black beans, I used great northern beans + potato), and layered in a little shredded cheese. Since that variation turned out so well I can't wait to try other kinds in the future!

Any deliciously healthy meals you love? Foods you can't live without? Who are my yellow pepper fans?! Holla!

*check out her blog (she is way better at posting than I am) and her awesome etsy store!

Help Yourself to Help Yourself

I am not highly critical of fashion decisions. I know what does and doesn't work for me and that is not the same for the next girl, so if a certain style genre works for your shape and personality, go for it! Style is a personal choice and type of expression, so being different is the intent... well, and looking attractive, but since beauty is in the eye of the beholder, that one is subjective, too...

Having said that, there are a few things that do not work on anyone:

-Crocs: I know they are comfortable, but your foot looks like it is caught in a bear trap make of Smurfs.

-Boyfriend blazers with shoulder pads: Thank you for helping Goodwill's sales, but linebackers belong on the football field and your jacket is swallowing you whole.

-Overplucked eyebrows: Natural is better! Clean up your shape by all means, but too thin makes you look either perpetually surprised or like a mean cat lady.... And less effort required to look good-what isn't awesome about that?!

But not all my thoughts are negative, folks. There are some things that never fail to improve your look:

-The wrap dress: DvF is forever my hero for this uber-flattering creation. Get one of her prints for a statement or try a solid color. The right shoes and jewelry will make it the most versatile piece in your arsenal as well as the most flattering.

-The right bra: Trust me, the girls can make or break your whole outfit and they need some help from time to time. A bra that fits can make all the difference in your silhouette... and make your life more comfortable, too!

-A smile: I think it's a mental reaction we have to people who are mean- they just seem less attractive. Conversely, a smile on your face makes you more agreeable to brain and eyes alike... And a lil teeth-whitening doesn't hurt!

What are your favorite and least favorite trends? Have a picture of yourself in Crocs and football pads that you think is stunning and want to share?

Procrastinating Effectively!

I just got back from vacation and while I should be doing laundry, cleaning, and getting ready for work, I am checking emails instead. Not anything important, mind you, but all the fun stuff I didn't check on vay-cay. If you don't get regular emails from Barneys, click here to see their newest Givenchy bag. I love big bags and simple styling, but I am not sure about the washed leather.... Thoughts? Any new discoveries that you love or hate?

....OK, back to work! Hope everyone had a great weekend!

Barneys!!!! (continued)

I may not be a shoe whore....but I sure am a bag lady. A fabulous bag that combines slouchy, supple leather with a bit of regimented structure gets me every time. I have made some random and delightful finds in my shopping career, like a $20 Stella McCartney in a textured neutral, but I am not solely a high-fashion devotee, (my fav's are regulars like Kooba, Botkier, Isabella Fiore, and Tulah Ray), but there are a few bags that make me weak-in-the-knees despite their haute-y status.

Givenchy medium "Pandora" bag, $1,875


It has only one handle originating from the side seam/corner, so the bag hangs at a funny angle when worn. I am not sure how well this design would wear in "real life," but it is a fun concept. I found the purple color on a bag blog, click the pic to check out the other colors!



Proenza Schouler "PS1," starting at $1,995

This bag is a little "It Bag" looking for my taste, but I admit I love the classic, timeless styling. I love the selection and colors at Barney's, but found the version pictured on Net-A-Porter.com. Love the color and texture!


Alexander Wang "Diego Bucket" bag, $825

I have designed a bag in my head that combines super supple leather, structure, and a wanton use of studs on the bottom of the bag. I would have given the studs a crazy pattern or made my company's logo, but I love Wang's use of a common accessory in an uncommon way. His bags are more original than the norm, but totally wearable.

I love the light grey color on Shopbop (pictured). Perfect for summer!

***(I got basic info and prices from Barney's since that's where I found the bags, but if the photos are from another site, I have the picture linked to that site)***

What are your favorite bags? Guilty pleasures or purely practical?

Big Ole Jet Airliner....

That Steve Miller song is playing in my head as I am packing...well, I am taking a break, but I have been making progress! I am leaving for a family wedding in the midwest tomorrow and am super excited(!) BUT, (there is always one of those), it will most likely be storming the entire time I am there. I am glad to get out of the heat, so it's not the weather I am worried about- it's the packing! I have goaled myself at one carry-on bag and a garment bag, but need to fit enough clothes for a long weekend with options for warm and humid days and contrasting cold and rainy nights and mornings. I am sure my outfit selection will need a lot of editing!

Any tips for packing? Anywhere fun to vacation that would seem unlikely but turned out to be awesome?

Have a great weekend!