Restore the Shore

Dress:  Zara (love this one, similar here) Shoes:  Zara (identical here,  similar here, here), Necklace:  Panacea, Bag:  Forever 21 (similar here)

My husband and I have been trying to spend as much time as possible down the shore ~ not only because we love the beach, but also because he is rebuilding my uncle's beach house that was destroyed during Sandy.  It's encouraging week-to-week to see the wonderful progress that is being made all along the coastline.

Although we were down this past weekend, these pictures were snapped a few weeks ago.  I didn't post right away because I felt you all needed a breather from this necklace.  Truth is, I wear it ALL THE TIME.  It goes with everything and really makes an outfit.  Simple black dress bumped up a notch with this stunning statement piece.

What are your favorite summer accessories?

Linked up to CB&BP and FaceIt Catalog

Guest Post

Hello and happy Monday readers!  Just a quick preview today because I'm guest blogging over at House of Jeffers while my fellow NJ girl, Jen, is enjoying some R&R in Cape Cod.  Stop by her blog  HERE to check out the full post!

Top:  J.Crew (old, LOVE this peplum version), Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Shoes:  Zara (similar here), Necklace:  Panacea, Clutch:  Etsy (old, ssimilar here), Nails:  Essie "Blanc"

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Strange post title, I know, but appropriate for the subject of today's post.  I don't know if you have heard already, but as of July 1, Google Reader RSS {that includes GFC} will cease to exist.  That's right, no more daily updates from your favorite blogs sent to you via email.  

Top:  H&M (similar here, LOVE this one), Skirt:  c/o PB&J Boutique, Shoes:  J.Crew, Bag:  Anthropologie (old, simlar), Belt:  Madewell (identical one here), Necklace:  Helen Ficalora, Sunnies: Ray-Ban

Before the panic sets in {I can feel it through the computer screen}, I'd like to propose an alternative ~ Bloglovin'.  I have always followed my daily reads via Bloglovin'.  To me, it is an easy way to keep them organized and categorized.  

Also, to make the switch easier, the creators of Bloglovin' have set up an easy, two-click way for you to import the blogs you follow from Google Reader right to their site.  You'll have to set up an account first, but that should be quick and painless.  Click HERE to get started and good luck {only takes about 15 mins}.

Tropical

Top:  J.Crew ~ 25% off right now!, Pants:  Forever 21 (old, LOVING these for only $35!), Shoes:  Zara (similar here for $30!), Bag:  Unknown (similar here, here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

I was smitten with this tank as soon as I received the new J.Crew catalog.  The model on the cover was wearing it with the matching shorts and I loved the look so much that I was tempted to buy both pieces.  The print is more tropical that your typical floral print.  It instantly reminded me of my recent getaway to Key West and made me wish I were back in Margaritaville ~ but for now I'll have to settle for wearing it through the halls at my school.  

Happy Monday everyone!

Neon Dot Shorts

Top:  Zara (old, identical one here), Shorts:  J.Crew (sold out, similar here), Shoes:  Zara (love this identical pair for $30!), Clutch:  Unknown (similar here, here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

It's rare that I buy an expensive item at J.Crew before it goes on sale, but when I saw these shorts online I just had to have them.  I ordered them immediately and am so glad I did because I think they sold out that day.  My impulse shopping did me good for once! 

Happy Monday!

**Last chance to enter my giveaway HERE {ends at midnight}**

Country Road

Top:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Clubch:  Anthropologie (old, similar here, here), Shoes:  J.Crew, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Yesterday the weather turned out to be absolutely beautiful which made for a wonderful Memorial Day.  

Today, back to the daily grind!

linked up to CB&BP and FaceIt

Windblown

Sweater:  Zara (old, similar here, LOVE this one), Jeans:  J.Crew (old, similar here, LOVE these), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shoes:  Zara (old, identical pair here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Bangle:  Forever 21

We snapped these pictures on Mother's Day last Sunday when we were in Brooklyn visiting my mother.  Whenever I go to see her I seize the opportunity to snap some pictures on the roof of her building.  The views of the East River are breathtaking.  I never learn my lesson though ~ it's always so windy up there and the wise thing to do would be to pull my hair back in a pony ~ but I actually thought this crazy hair shot was pretty funny.

Also, I'm very happy to announce that I'm being featured today on Coffee Beans and Bobby Pins and Face It Catalog.  Thank you lovely ladies for choosing me!

 On another note, I'm still in need of a few more pairs of sandals/flops before the weather really heats up.  
I leave you on this lovely Friday with two more of my picks from the fabulous online shoe store, Infinity Shoes:

1 // 2

Loving the gold/tan combo.  Which would you choose?

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

*Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

Floral Pants

Top:  Madewell, Pants:  Anthropologie (old, this year's version), Clutch:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Shoes:  Rock & Republic via Kohls, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Camera"

I took a different approach on styling my floral pants today.  Normally, I incorporate them into a very romantic, girlie look {as seen here}.  Today I decided to pair them with a utility shirt and silver pumps to edge them up a bit.  They've definitely proved their versatility.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful week!

linked up to Mix&Match Fashion

Earn Your Stripes

Happy Monday readers!  Today I am delighted to introduce to you Amy of Fashion and Beauty Finds, as we have teamed up to feature one of our favorite spring/summer patterns:  stripes.  I have been following Amy for some time now and feel that her style is very similar to mine.  She loves her brights and is not afraid of some pattern play.

Blazer:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Dress:  Madewell, Top:  Forever 21, Bag:  C.Wonder, Shoes:  Rock & Republic for Kohls, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

We were definitely thinking alike when we each decided to pair our black and white stripes with a pop of color.  I love how Amy kept the accessories neutral and added some flavor with her vibrant green top.  The statement necklace adds a little pizazz to an outfit that could easily transition from day to night.  That colorblock clutch is calling my name ~ the gal has definitely earned her stripes!

I went with one of my faves ~ the Madewell Bistro Dress {last seen here}.  The versatility of this dress never ceases to amaze me.  I've worn it to work, to church, to a shower, to the farmer's market, and even for date night.  I changed things up by throwing a blouse on underneath and was really pleased with the way it looked.

Be sure to show Amy some love and visit her over at Fashion and Beauty Finds!

If The Shoe Fits...

Dress:  ASOS, Shoes:  J.Crew ~ not online yet (similar here, here in mellow yellow, LOVE this slingback version for $45!!), Clutch:  Etsy (old, similar here), Necklace:  Unknown (similar here, here for $8!!), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Camera"

I spotted these shoes a few weeks ago at my local J.Crew store {love at first sight}.  To my dismay, the shoes were not for sale, but were merely a sample {what a tease}.  So I did what any normal shopaholic would do;  I hunted them down.

Happy hump day!

linked up to CB&BP today :)

Silver Lining

Sweater:  J.Crew, Button Down:  The Limited, Skirt:  J.Crew (old, love this one), Bag:  Target, Shoes:  Rock&Republic for Kohls, Necklace:  H&M (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Enuf is Enuf"

I've been on the hunt for the perfect pair of silver pumps for a while now, and {as per my usual} didn't want to spend a lot of money.  I tried out a few pairs that just didn't work for me ~ I'm very particular about the heel height/shape and the toe-cleavage factor when it comes to my pumps.  I wanted a pair that was cheap but didn't look it.  

I finally settled on this gorgeous Rock & Republic pair ~ on sale for just $49 at Kohls plus I had a 20% coupon, so they ended up costing just $39.  The heel height is perfect and they show just enough toe-cleavage.  Cheap without looking it.

Metallic shoes are a summer necessity for me.  Not only do they jazz up an outfit, but I consider them a neutral ~ they go with everything.  Easy to pair with all of my summer brights.  

I discovered a capacious selection metallic heels and flats at Jildorshoes.com.  I've been ordering from them for years now because I love their women's designer shoes ~ a I feel they have little something for everyone!

Some of my favorite sexy strappy picks:

1 // 2 // 3

...and of corse my favorite work-friendly flats {especially loving the Jeffrey Campbell pair on the right}:

4 // 5 // 6

*Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

Light As A Feather

Dress:  Anthropologie (last year, a little pricy, but best alternative that I could find, top version here), Sandals:  J.Crew, Bag:  Louis Vuitton (awesome alternative here under $60!), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Bangles:  Forever 21, Earrings:  Tory Burch

 

This dress may go down as my favorite of all time.  The color and texture are perfection and it is by far the most comfortable garment I have ever put on my body.  Normally a shapeless dress does not work for me, but there is something about this dress that compliments a straight figure.  Best part, you could eat a six-course meal and no one would be the wiser.  Gotta love a dress that hides the after-dinner bloat! 

**Click HERE to find the winner of my Stella & Dot love bracelet GIVEAWAY ~ thank you to everyone who entered!

Casual Chic

Shirt:  Zara (old, similar here), Jeans:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shoes:  Tory Burch, Bag:  Unknown (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Nails:  Essie "Go Ginza"

Happy Wednesday readers ~ we are half way through the week.  The weather situation seems to be improving in NJ.  I guess as soon as Easter came, Mother Nature could no longer deny us of temps above freezing.

 This is the outfit that I wore this past Sunday.  We had a very low-key Easter celebration this year with my in-laws ~ a fun egg hunt for my nieces and nephews followed by a late lunch, and we were on our way.  A good day to break in my new Tory Burch espadrilles {that I'm absolutely obsessed with}, and pull some more springy clothes out of the closet.  My mother-in-law received this colorful clutch as an Easter present and I instantly saw it as an opportunity to borrow.  It added the perfect amount of pizazz to my casual ensemble!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out my STELLA & DOT TRUNK SHOW and enter my GIVEAWAY. 

And the Winner Is...

Blazer:  Anthropologie (very old, similar here), Top:  Madewell, Jeans:  H&M (love this pair), Shoes:  Classiques Entier via Nordstrom (old, similar here), Bag:  J.Crew (old, similar here, obsessed with this one), Belt:  H&M (similar here), Bracelet:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban 

As much as I'm trying to push the issue, spring has just not sprung in NJ.  In fact, mother nature seems to be punishing me for trying to defy her with my pastels and peep-toes.  So for now, bye-bye bare legs, back to tights and pants!

And now the moment you've all been waiting for...click HERE to see if you won the Seychelles Shoes giveaway ~ thank you to all of those who entered.

  Stay tuned readers because I have another giveaway coming up early next week!

Hearts

Jacket:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Shirt:  T-Luxury via Anthropologie (also old, similar here, LOVE this one), Jeans:  Forever 21, Shoes:  Classiques Entier via Nordstrom (old, identical pair here), Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs (old, LOVING this newer version), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban, Cuff:  c/o Hearts

Like my new {very subtle} ombre locks?

How cute is this quartz cuff?!?
When Hearts.com approached me to do a product review, I was more than happy to oblige.  They have beautiful and unique jewelry and accessories on their site and each piece purchased contributes to the quality of life in Rio de Janeiro.  

In Brazil, raw materials are considered precious treasures, and artisans are often underpaid for their labor.  Hearts.com provides artisans with fair wages to ensure that they can support themselves and their families.
Ethical and eco friendly!
*And don't forget to enter my Seychelles Shoes GIVEAWAY here (ends Sunday at midnight)*

"Whooah, We're Half Way There..."

Top:  Anthropologie (old, similar here), Jeans:  Citizens of Humanity, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Shoes:  Ann Taylor (old, similar here), Bracelet:  Anthropologie (old, LOVE this one), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

Happy Hump Day!