Vacation Ready

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! Does anyone else have an "Orange is the New Black" hangover?? SO GOOD.

I'm going on a few big trips this summer (including a three week trip to England! Yee!!) and have been in need of a nice piece of luggage for some time. I know that a suitcase doesn't sound like the sexiest gift ever, but my parents got me this for an early birthday present:

I hate how my iPhone pics never do anything justice...probably has to do with the extreme lack of natural light in my apartment.

Isn't she beautiful? I knew I wanted a hardshell suitcase in a color that would be instantly recognizable coming down the baggage claim line. I really wasn't expecting to fall this hard for a piece of luggage! Here's a better picture from the website:

 

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It's still sitting in the middle of my living room because it makes me smile every time I look at it. I may or may not have actually hugged it several times. I'll definitely report back on how it does when I take it on a trip...a three week trip to England should put it to the test!

xoxo,
E

What to Wear: Thanksgiving Day

With just two days until Thanksgiving, I'm a big fan of this week's What to Wear Where theme! A lot is asked of a Thanksgiving day outfit: it has to be appropriate for a holiday (one in which you may be seeing people you haven't seen in a while), for eating way too much food in, for sitting on the couch after the meal in, for scuttling around the kitchen to bring the mashed potatoes to the counter...you get the picture. 

This year, my family is going to a Thanksgiving buffet at a beach club in my hometown, so I don't think sweatpants and a large long-sleeved shirt will be acceptable attire. I found this dress (and created an outfit around it), and I think it strikes the perfect balance of comfort and fashion for Thanksgiving:

Striated Lace Dress, on sale now for $171

Love those fall colors!

Cerulean Drop Necklace, $28

Statement necklace that doesn't compete too much with the dress

Nine West Amped Up 3 Wedges, on sale now for $40

These are sensible enough for a family dinner...

...but let's be honest...these would be more fun...

Rachel Zoe Hudson Wedges, $235

At six inches (with a two inch platform), these would probably make your boyfriend's grandmother raise an eyebrow, but doesn't everyone need the appearance of longer legs when you've just eaten your weight in turkey and dressing?

Here's wishing you and yours a happy, healthy, and fashionable Thanksgiving!

xoxo,

E

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend! I had a busy, but fun, one. Engagement party for friends, a Clemson win, brunch on Sunday...doesn't get much better in my book! Of course, we're doing it all over again in a few days when Clemson plays South Carolina!

The Clemson-South Carolina game will be our first (and only) home game at night this year. When I was shivering on Saturday night, I began to think about my outfit for a week later, when the game wouldn't even be starting until 7:00! I'm originally from Florida, so temperatures under 55 degrees still send my teeth a-chattering.

On my wishlist for next week...

Gloves like these:

A scarf like this:

In a perfect world, earmuffs like these:

Santa, if you're listening, I'd love an early visit. Help a chilly girl out!

xoxo,

E

Pour La Victoire Yummies

Even though I don't have too much occasion to where them, it's difficult for me to pass up a fantastic pair of pumps. Especially if they are patent leather. Especially if they have a platform.

Enter the Pour La Victoire sale on Gilt. The Irina II Pump might be perfect. Perfect with jeans on a Friday night, perfect for pairing with a black dress at a cocktail party, perfect for wearing with your robe when you walk the dog. OK, maybe not that last part.

Shut.

Up.

Right.

Now.

Am I right, or am I right? If you aren't a Gilt member now, click here, and get on it.

xoxo,

E

What to Wear Where: Travel Outfit

Happy Tuesday! This week's What to Wear Where theme comes at a perfect time! I spent about 11 hours traveling and flying this past weekend, so I had a lot of time to think about what to look for in a go-to travel outfit. Keywords are: stretch, layers, and cotton.

Silence & Noise Denim Legging, on sale now for $40

I don't currently own jeggings, but I'm think I may have to take the plunge this fall/winter. Perfect for travel, since you need to be able to run to make your connection flight and comfy for when you're crammed in the middle seat of your row (you know it's bound to happen).

Askew Ruffled Cardigan, $88

Cardigans are the perfect flying option. Easy to get off for security check points and if you get a little warm on the plane; they can also double as a blanket or pillow for longer, chilly flights.

Elastic-Trim Tank, $20

A comfy tank top that won't make you feel stuffy while schlepping in through the terminal in a color that will distract from the fact that you're not wearing make-up. (Admit it.)

BCBGMAXAZRIA Misha Flat, $195

A sparkly flat that is easy to take off when you're getting through security. Also good for distracting from the no make-up thing.

What are your travel go-to's? 

xoxo,

E

What to Wear Where: Pumpkin Patch

Hi there! Forever29 is hosting this week's What to Wear Where, and it's a cute one! What says fall more than a trip to the pumpkin patch?? I have my own thoughts about pumpkin decorating (Just Say No to Pumpkin Guts), but that doesn't mean I'd pass up an opportunity to get cute pictures amid the pumpkins!

Here are my thoughts for this week's theme:

J. Crew Peter Pan Collar Sweater, $89.50

7 for All Mankind High Waisted Flare, $225

Ash Divina Boot, $149 on Gilt

Pave Pearl Studs, $22

I capital-L-love this outfit! It's so simple, yet pulled together. Cute, but not too fussy. What are you wearing to the pumpkin patch this year? I don't know that I'll be carving a pumpkin, but I've been thinking of pulling together a pumpkin painting party...a little less pumpkin guts, a little more glitter. Just my style :)

xoxo,

E

At-Home Manicure

Happy Monday! I had a relaxing weekend, which is exactly what I needed. I also finally got my hair cut and highlighted after five months! Very exciting stuff.

I also tackled the at-home manicure on Sunday afternoon, which is no small feat for this right-hand-only gal. I've always bitten my nails, so when I finally allowed them to grow almost to the tips of my fingers, I figured I would reward myself with some pretty new nail polish. Here's what I went with:

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Essie "Stylenomics"

I love dark nail colors because they always looks better on shorter nails...which, conveniently, I always have! Seriously, they're usually nubbins. I think it's a testament to how happy I am at my new school that I haven't been chewing them every other second. Hunter green is really popular this fall, too, so I get to participate in a trend for less than $10! Ka-ching! Essie's Stylenomics is awesome, an almost-black green.

I've read and watched tutorials on how to give yourself an at home manicure, but the only thing that really works for me is taking a really long time and using a nail polish remover pen. I seriously take like  two hours from start to finish to make sure that the polish is really dry before moving to my second hand.

Here's the finished product on my left hand: 

Happy polishing!

xoxo,

E

Birchbox Loves

Hello happies! I hope you're having a fabulous week! Just remember, Thursday is practically Friday, which means it's basically the weekend!

I got my September Birchbox a few weeks ago, and, among other lovelies, it contained these:

LA Fresh Nail Polish Remover Pad

Birchbox and Color Club Custom Collection in Tweet Me

At first, I was not that excited about the color of the nail polish. It's called "Tweet Me", but another appropriate name would be "Tennis Ball Green". Given my choice of nail polish colors, it would not have been my first. But, then, it sat and stared at me from my bathroom counter long enough to make me rethink it's neon-yellowy-green-ness. After looking at all the awesome colors that seem to be dominating the scene this season (hunter green, burgundy, plum, etc.), I realized that this neon-y tennis ball color would actually make for an unexpectedly fabulous accent color. This color is now on my toes (don't worry, there are no foot pictures in your future...at least not from this blog), and it makes me very happy. Next time I get a manicure, I'm thinking maybe a charcoal grey or navy blue with this color as the french tip color...how fashion forward of me, right?

As for the nail polish remover pad, my first thoughts were, "what can a fancy schmancy nail polish remover pad do that my Walgreens acetone-based remover can't?" After I used it, my thoughts were more like, "how soon can I get more of these lovely, orange-scented nail polish remover pads??" And then I thought, "excuse me, 'fresh tuscan orange scent', not 'orange scent'." How do the LA Fresh people know that Tuscan oranges are so much more appealing than regular oranges? Maybe it's their Italian accent...anywho, buy these...they're cool.

xoxo,

E

What to Wear Where: Fall Transition

Yay for another installment of What to Wear Where, hosted by I Pick Pretty! This week's theme is Fall Transition. Around these parts (South Carolina), "fall transition" is tracked (at least by me) by the gradual decrease in bugs and humidity, as opposed to the changing of leaves. We've had some cooler days that hint at what's to come, but then Mother Nature smacks us right in the face the next day with 90 degrees and humid, just to remind us where we are. What's a (wannabe) fashionable girl to do?

Here's what I threw together:

 

Steven Alan Haney Dress, $179

 

BR Shawl Collar Belted Cardigan, $98

 

Franco Sarto Ivory Wedge Heels, $83

 

 

One of my favorite things about fall and winter is the variety of textures and richness of colors they welcome. During summer, it seems like the lighter the fabric, the better. But in fall and winter, you can layer interesting textures and rich colors that, even if they're bargain finds, look rich when put together. Fall may not start until this weekend, but I'm ready for it with this outfit!

 

 

 

xoxo,

 

E

 



 

What to Wear Where: Girls' Night Out

I'm really enjoying coming up with outfits for I Pick Pretty's weekly What to Wear Where parties. I've mentioned it briefly before, but I'm in a bit of a dry period as far as money goes (started a new school this year and don't get a paycheck until end of September...yup, no paycheck from end of June to end of September...), so clothes shopping has dropped way down on the priority list. Online window shopping has created quite the wishlist, but that's all I'm allowing myself right now. Apparently when you're a self-sufficient adult, it's more important to pay your bills than stock up on your fall transition wardrobe...who knew?

Anyways, this week's theme is Girls' Night Out. I can't think of a better reason to throw on a bright dress and platform pumps than a night out with the girls.

Robert Rodriquez Lace Shift Dress, $398

Such a pretty color...and lace is a ladylike way to offset the short hemline.

Pour La Victoire Zimmer Pumps, $180

These give great height, and the beige color makes your legs look super long.

Lara Bohinc Solar Eclipse Yellow Gold Bracelet, $768

What in the what?? This bracelet is off-the-chain. Pricey, though.

I love online window shopping, but I usually find covetable things that are way out of my price range, like the lovelies in this outfit. I would have to find similar items to these, since, while lovely, are maybe not worth forking over two months' rent.

xoxo,

E

Christmas in September!

My first Birchbox got here! It was like a little mini-Christmas of beauty goodies! Here's what I got in my box (all pictures are of the full-size product, but I got all mini/sample sizes)

theBalm cosmetics Stainiac

I've always been a little wary of stains. I have no idea why, but I sometimes decide that I don't like something (usually food related, but this time not) just because of the way it sounds or how I imagine it will work/not work for me (for example, I don't like scallops...not because I've ever tried them, but because I imagine that they would make me gag for some reason). I always thought stains would be messy and too much color for some reason. I was so wrong. I love this stain...everything they say about that "just finished a cherry popsicle" look is true!

twistband Hair Tie

I've been wanting some of these for a while and now I want more! My box came with an orange one just in time for the first Clemson game. It's like they know...

Juicy Couture Viva La Juicy La Fleur

I normally avoid all things Juicy (in my mind, I associate Juicy with butt-writing on sweatpants and Ed Hardy tees), but this actually smells really good. Is there a way to decant this perfume into a bottle that doesn't say Juicy Couture so I can save face but still have this really awesome perfume?

Whish Shave Crave Shaving Cream

I actually needed shaving cream when I got my Birchbox (again, it's like they know...). Great as far as shaving creams go. I'll definitely use up my sample, but I don't know if this teacher's salary can support a $20 shaving cream habit.

Schick Hydro Silk Razor

I feel about this razor pretty much the same as I feel about the shaving cream. Great as far as razors go, (and I might keep using it because it came with a coupon for more cartridges) but it's a little expensive for a razor. That being said, it is a sharp knife that I choose to slide along my legs twice a week, so maybe I shouldn't spare expense on that?

I'm not sure if I'll detail what I get every month (unless you want to hear about it?) unless it's really exciting/life-changing. Thoughts?

xoxo,

E

What to Wear Where: Family Photo Sesh

Happy Tuesday! I Pick Pretty is having a What to Wear Where party again this week...this time, the theme is Family Photo Session. Now, I don't see a family photo sesh in my future any time soon, but I still feel like I can contribute to hopefully ensure no poor family ends up like this...

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Just say no to joutfits...

After reading a really helpful family photo session tip article here, here's what I came up with...

Vanga Vintage Kantha Dress, $298

This dress is ah-mazing. Since fall is coming, I like a little heavier looking fabric that matches the season. Also, one of the main things the article I linked above says is to pick one multicolored pattern for one person and to build mostly solid outfits around it using the colors in the pattern. There are beautiful navy blues, pinks, golds, even a kelly green that would be really great to pull from for the rest of the family's outfits.

Acne Racer Zip Cardigan, $118

This cardigan toughens up the sweet dress a little with it's patched shoulders and zipper (though I wish the zipper was gold...). It also could be zipped all the way up to make the dress look like a skirt to change things up for a few pictures. Add a cardigan, get an extra outfit!

Kate Spade Kiki Wedges, $298

These wedges give you height, but don't force you to tiptoe around if you're taking pictures on grass. For some reason, I picture a mom wearing this outfit while getting photographed pushing a child on a swing set, so these shoes would be perfect for a playground shoot...no aerating the grass with stiletto heels!

Hammered Irregular Hoops

These gold hoops finish off the outfit in a classic way. That dress is way too fabulous to need too much more zhushing, so they won't compete too much. I found these hoops on opensky.com, but I'm not a member, so I couldn't access the price. 

So there you go! Like I said, since it's just me and Gatsby right now, I don't see any family photo sessions in my future right now, but I hope this may inspire one of your future photo shoots!

xoxo,

E

Milk Glass Obsession

I love milk glass...its not-quite-opaqueness always seems like it has been around for generations, giving it such a sentimental look. I am always in need of little dishes, bowls, and trays to hold all the things I tend to leave in my wake as I move through the day. I'm especially looking for milk glass cake stands to make some of my less-pretty bathroom items (i.e. floss, toothbrush, etc.) a little more happy. So even though I have a definite item I'm looking for, I can't help but google "milk glass" and ogle all the pretties that come up in my image search...

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Milk glass vases are the perfect combination of pretty-on-their-own and simple-enough-not-to-compete-with flower-prettiness.

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While I'm sure this intricate pedestal bowl was meant for a higher purpose, I can't think of a more sophisticated way to keep track of my key's and the nugget's leash.

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This may be the front runner for my bathroom catch-all. It would also be so pretty as a kitchen catch-all for dish soap, scrubbies, and rings for when you are washing those hard-to-clean pots and pans.

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I feel like I'm ODing on green milky beautifulness. Stop it.

I think my favorite milk glass pieces are either the colored ones or the hobnail (bumpy) pieces...or hobnail colored pieces! (gasp!) Anyone else out there share this milk glass love?

xoxo,

E

Collector's Items

I have a love/hate relationship with collections. I love the idea of collecting little things over time, and I love the way things look in a place when they are displayed creatively. However, when I think of collections, my mind also tends to go to kitschy shelves of porcelain cats in a grandmother's dusty formal living room. So when I began looking at sweet vintage brass animals, I knew I was walking a fine line. But when you find a little bird wearing a crown, how can you not want to create a collection around him?

According to the description, he's cast iron gold (maybe spray painted?), not brass, but he is adorable. He's also on his way to my apartment as we speak, and I'm excited to find a place for him.

I also love these little guys (who are not on their way to my apartment--not quite ready to make the full-fledged collection plunge yet). I would just need a way to display them in a way that says "Look at my cool and interesting little brass animals, don't they make me also cool and interesting?" rather than "Look at my weird collection, I should get out more."

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It's really the story that surrounds the objects that makes a collection interesting. I have a small collection of street art that I gathered while studying in various places in Europe during college, and each one makes me smile when I think of the experiences I had there. With that said, I realize snatching up every brass animal does not a collection make. So, for now, I'll be happy with my little crowned bird.

How do you display collections without it looking like you're a great aunt that collects plates with pictures of ducks on them?

xoxo,

E