Ice Blue

Topshop Dress, Vintage Scarf worn as Belt, Urban Outfitters Clutch, Steve Madden Flats, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

Last year Paul and I spent a few days in NYC right before Christmas. We admired the tree in Rockefeller Plaza, enjoyed an amazing dinner at Mario Batali's Babbo and did plenty of shopping in Soho. Whenever I'm in New York I always make time to stop by Topshop on Broadway and Broome. It's still the only one in the States! While it's not nearly as inexpensive as Forever 21, it's still affordable, so I usually allow myself one or two purchases. This dress was my purchase on that particular trip. I loved everything about it, from the sheer sleeves to the pleating in the neckline to the ice blue color. We'll be going back up to NYC in a few weeks and I can't wait to see what Topshop has to offer this holiday season!

Red Pick-Up Truck

Character Hero Dress, BDG Jean Jacket, H&M belt, Hue tights, Vintage Dexter Boots, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

Floral will always be my favorite print for Spring and Summer, but plaid is definitely my go to for Fall and Winter. There are so many patterns and colors out there, and when you combine that with cozy flannel fabric you just can't miss. The vast majority of my plaid collection is made up of shirts, so when Paul got me this dress for Christmas last year, I was excited to add it to the mix. The colors are perfect for the holidays, so I'll be getting a lot of wear out of it over the next month!

Jewel Toned Romper

Forever 21 Cardigan, Forever 21 Romper (similar style here), Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, J. Crew Belt, Forever 21 Bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Deena & Ozzy Booties

I had a thing against rompers for a while. It wasn't that I hated them, it was that I hated the way they looked on me. Each and every one I tried on was too short in the torso, which had an extremely unflattering effect. I was about to give up when I tried this romper on at Forever 21. Not only was it floral and jewel toned (my favorite pattern and color combo), it fit me like a glove. I love it so much that I'll even break it out in the dead of winter (with thick tights and boots, of course).

Top Three

Sisterly love: Me, Isabella, Victoria, and Emily

This week has been great so far! On Sunday afternoon Paul's soccer team won their championship game so afterwards we celebrated with all of his teammates at Brauhaus Schmidt's. On Monday I did a bit of shopping downtown then treated myself to lunch at DiBruno Bros on Chestnut Street. On Tuesday I worked Pub & Kitchen's annual Country Delight night (which involved bales of hay, old school country music and fried chicken). On Wednesday I helped my sister Bella pick out four weeks worth of outfits for school and then snuggled up on the couch to watch Home Alone. And on Thursday I feasted!

 My favorite Thanksgiving dish: Mom's stuffing.

 The fun multicolored scarf I thrifted for just $2!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Forever 21 sweater, J. Crew skirt, Hue tights, Kimchi Blue heels, Forever 21 necklace, Forever 21 bracelets, J. Crew bracelet, Michael Kors Oversized Runway watch

Even though this isn't my Thanksgiving outfit, I decided to post it today since the Autumnal colors are perfect for the holiday. I can't wait to chow down on cranberry sauce and stuffing in a few hours! Hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!


PS: Thanks to my sister Bella for being my photographer today!

Salvation Army Thrifting

Today my friend Lauren and I hit up the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Manayunk to see what we could find. I haven't been thrifting in a while so I was ready for action. I always head straight to the skirt section, because that's where I find the most high-quality goods for cheap. Today I found two pencil skirts, two plaids, and two paisleys. Unfortunately, none of them fit quite right. But I didn't walk away empty handed and neither did Lauren. I bought a cute winter scarf (I'll post pictures on Friday!) and Lauren bought a multicolored silk skirt. Success!

My finds.

Lauren's finds.

Lauren and Tonto!

Ginger and Coral Stripes

Forever 21 Sweater, Levi's jeans, Vintage Dexter boots, My Mom-Mom's vintage necklace and bracelet, Forever 21 bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch

The first thing I thought of when I saw this striped sweater on the racks at Forever 21 was "Freddy Krueger", but then I saw the price tag ($14.50!) and decided to get it anyway. Of course when I wore it to work one of my coworkers immediately pointed out that I was looking very "Freddy Krueger chic". I did my research later on and was happy to find that Freddy's sweater is actually dark red and olive green. So now I'm armed with that information if I get any Freddy references in the future.

Style Icon: Brigitte Bardot

{all images courtesy weheartit}

Brigitte Bardot is my number one beauty and style icon. First of all, I love her name (and the fact that we have the same initials!) She's french, which means that she inherently has great style. And she was a huge star in the fifties and sixties...my two favorite style decades. Between the big hair, cat eyeliner, polka dots, floral prints, bow blouses, and head scarves, she can do no wrong in my eyes!

Top Three

 A cozy new sweater from Forever 21 paired with my Mom-Mom's pendant necklace

We really put a dent in our Christmas shopping this week. Between online sales and trips to three malls (Christiana, Franklin Mills, and Cherry Hill) how could we not? I want to post photos of some of our finds, but just in case our gift recipients are reading this I'll have to wait until after they're opened. Let's just say our families will be getting spoiled this year. Next week we'll take a break from the shopping to relax and celebrate my second favorite holiday, Thanksgiving!

The J. Crew Holiday Catalog...I want it all!

My new favorite show: Once Upon a Time

{image courtesy HitFix}

Mellow in Yellow

J. Crew Fisherman Sweater, J. Crew Chambray Shirt, Vintage Scarf, Levi's Jeans, J. Crew Ballet Flats, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

I've never been a big fan of the color yellow. As a lifelong blonde (aside from a brief, unsuccessful stint as a brunette), I always thought that it clashed with my haircolor and skintone. But after seeing other blondes like Emily Schuman and Taylor Sterling pull it off and look amazing, I decided to give it a try. This honey colored J. Crew sweater was one of my first yellow purchases, but I'm hoping to add a few more to the mix soon.

Rainy Day Red

Vintage Blouse, Kimchi Blue Skirt, Vintage Belt, Kimchi Blue Heels, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Forever 21 Bracelets, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch

There's nothing like a pop of red to jolt some energy into a dismal rainy day! I normally don't strut around in high heels in the rain, but today I suffered through it for the good of the blog. Aside from the bag and watch, this might be one of the cheapest outfits I own. I got the skirt and heels on sale at Urban Outfitters for just $5 and $10, respectively. The blouse (a steal at just $15) is from another great Philly vintage store, Sweet Jane Vintage. The belt was thrifted for $1. And the umbrella I got for free!

Duck Skirt

BDG Tank, H&M Jacket, Flat Black by Pegleg NYC  Skirt, Vintage Dexter Boots, Urban Outfitters Belt, Rebecca Minkoff Morning After Clutch, Forever 21 Bracelets, J. Crew Bracelet, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch

There are a few articles of clothing that I pack into trunk every spring because they just won't work for the upcoming summer months. The lot mostly include jackets, bulky sweaters, and scarves...nothing too exciting. Once the weather starts to cool down, I open the trunk and restock my closet with everything I need to keep me warm. This year as I was unpacking I found this skirt, which I completely forgot I owned! I got it on super sale at Urban Outfitters last year for just $10. It only works in the fall for obvious reasons, but I plan on getting plenty of wear out of it before the season is over.

Guy Style

J. Crew Flannel, Dockers Alpha Khakis

I'm very lucky to have a boyfriend who loves shopping and clothes (almost) as much as I do! It makes weekly trips to the mall fun for both of us rather than just fun for me. The only store Paul can't stand to be in for too long is Forever 21. But I'm a nice girlfriend...I let him sit outside and wait for me on the massage chairs while I peruse the racks. There are plenty of stores we both enjoy though, especially J. Crew and Urban Outfitters. Paul has such great style and inspires me to try new things every day. He's also my personal photographer, for which I am extremely grateful!

Ray Ban Rounded Wayfarer Sunglasses, BDG Top, American Apparel Pants

Ray Ban Rounded Wayfarer Sunglasses, BDG Top, Levi's Pants

Top Three

 Mushroom Crepes from La Locanda del Ghiottone

This week flew by! On Sunday Paul and I went out to dinner at our favorite Italian restaurant in Philly, La Locanda del Ghiottone. I had been seriously craving their mushroom crepes so it was a necessary indulgence. The rest of the week was spent getting a head start on our Christmas shopping. We went to King of Prussia Mall, The Atlantic City Outlets, and Walnut Street. After all that hard work Christmas shopping I treated myself to a few accessories from Forever 21. Can't wait to do it all over again next week!

PS - There are some great sales going on right now (40% off your order from Ann Taylor with the coupon code FRIENDS, 20% off your order from Bloomingdales with the coupon code RETAILMENOT20). 

New Forever 21 Necklace and Feather Earrings

Starbucks Eggnog Latte: my Christmas shopping fuel
{image courtesy vacantmouthhh}

Color Collective

Color Collective is one of my favorite inspirational fashion blogs. The blog's creator, Lauren Willhite, pulls color palettes from the inspirational photos of various designers, artists, and photographers. Since it is such an amazing resource for color palettes, I love using this blog to come up with new color combinations for the clothes that I already have hanging in my closet! Above are some of my favorite recent photos from the blog. (All images courtesy Color Collective).


1. Ramona West
2. MW Matthew Williamson
3. Elizabeth Miles
4. Ruche
5. Lucky Magazine
6. Samantha Casolari

Fall Floral

Forever 21 Sweater, Forever 21 Top, Sparkle and Fade Paperbag Shorts, Steve Madden Oxfords, J. Crew Brompton Bag, Michael Kors Oversized Runway Watch, Forever 21 Bracelets

As you can see from 99% of my posts, I have a slight obsession with floral prints. In spring and summer they're perfect, but sometimes it can be hard to make them work for fall and winter. This top is the ideal fall floral. I bought it in the spring from Forever 21 and kept it hidden in the back of my closet until now. My patience has paid off...I can finally wear it! And since the print is chock full of vibrant fall colors (olive green, blue, rust, plum), I have plenty of options to go with it.