Rockstud Pumps

Today I've teamed up with the fabulous, gorgeous, recent law school grad, Caitlin of A Little Dash of Darling, to showcase my favorite shoe of all time, the Valentino Rockstud pump.

These shoes have proven to be extremely versatile making an easy transition from winter into spring. As you probably know, they were a 30th birthday gift {with a bit of hinting} from my wonderful husband.  I've worn them with dresses, skirts, pants ~ I wear them with everything!  In addition, they fall right in line with the "punk couture" look that is super-hot right now.

Blazer:  Zara (similar here, here, LOVE this one) Cami:  Tibi,  Skort:  Zara (identical one here for under $25!!), Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Sunnies:  Forever 21 (similar here)

I love how Caitlin paired hers with this gorgeous cobalt dress.  They add the perfect amount of edge to her flirty frock.  She opted for the lower heel version while I {not as blessed in the height department} went for the sky high option.

Be sure to visit A Little Dash of Darling to show Caitlin some love!

Also, don't forget to enter my InPink giveaway HERE.

Leaving On A Jet Plane

Top:  Zara (old, great alternative here), Pants:  Forever 21 (old, similar here, here ), Shoes:  Tory Burch, Bag:  C.Wonder, Belt:  Madewell (similar), Sunnies:  Forever 21 (similar here, here for $5)

I'm not really leaving on a jet plane so maybe I should have titled the post 'posing with a jet plane'?  Nah, doesn't have the same ring to it.

I do, however, wish that I had picked up this bag before I left on a plane to go to Florida last month.  The day before we departed, I realized that I could not find my beach bag anywhere.  I searched high and low.  It was too late to buy another {not too many places selling beach bags mid-April in NJ anyway}, so I went without and used an old tote.  Of course as soon as I get home I discover the perfect beach bag ~ oh, the irony.

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

Cover-Up

Dress:  Blue Life, Bag:  C.Wonder, Necklace:  Nordstrom, Sunnies:  Ray-Ban ~ on SALE!!, Sandals:  J.Crew (similar here)

With Memorial Day right around the corner, we are fast approaching my favorite time of year ~ beach season.  

The beach is my absolute favorite place in the world.  No specific beach, from the tropics to the Jersey shore, I love them all.

When it comes to beach style, I'm not as concerned with my choice of swimsuit as I am about my choice of a great cover-up.  I tend to go with the maxi dress.  They are easy to slip on, usually flowy rather than clingy, and they transition well from the sand bar to the tiki bar.

Swimsuits Direct not only has an extensive array of swimsuits, but has a vast variety of cover-ups to choose from.  Whether you're a maxi gal like me, a romper-wearer, or you don the the more traditional tunic, they've got it all:

1 // 2 // 3

Also ~ see me featured today on my friend Marissa's fabulous blog A Girl's Guilty Pleasures.  Thank you Marissa for the lovely feature!

**Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

Daisy

Blazer:  Anthropologie (old, similar here under $25!), Top:  Anthropologie (also loving this one), Skirt:  Urban Outfitters ~ on SALE!!, Shoes:  Valentino, Bag:  Rebecca Minkoff, Earrings:  Gift from my grandmother (similar here for only $12)

Sometimes you just need some dainty daisies to get you through hump day.  Hope everyone is having a great week ~ I'm sure you're all looking forward to the three-day weekend as much as I am!

Cranky Pants

Top:  Aritzia (old, great alternative here), Jeans:  AG via Anthropologie, Shoes:  Tibi, Bag:  Forever 21 (old, similar here), Sunnies:  Forever 21 (similar option here for $5!)

Just a quick post today ~ it was rainy and cold ALL WEEKEND and is supposed to rain straight through until Saturday.  It was hard to find a break in the rain to snap a picture, but I took this before going to dinner at a friend's house on Saturday night.  

I am definitely someone whose mood is easily influenced by the weather and therefore I am feeling a little cranky.  I hope mother nature comes through in time for Memorial Day Weekend!

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!

Cool, Calm, And Collected

Top:  J.Crew (similar), Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Shoes:  Anthropologie, Bag:  Louis Vuitton (loving this similar bag for under $60!), Hat:  Urban Outfitters (old, similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

I may look cool, calm, and collected in this picture, but in fact I'm freaking out because I'm super-clumsy and about to fall from this window ledge {only about 5' off the ground}.  At least it made for an interesting shot!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

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 :)

All In One

Blazer:  H&M (old, similar here, here), Top:  J.Crew (also old, loving this peplum version), Jeans:  AG via Anthropologie, Shoes:  Louboutin (budget-friendly version here), Clutch:  c/o GiGi New York, Bracelets:  Etsy (simliar here for $2), c/o Alex & Ani, C.Wonder (similar here), Nails:  Essie "Camera"

How gorg is this embossed leather clutch?!?  I was first introduced to GiGi New York back in February at the IFB conference, and I've been hooked ever since.  Their bags are buttery soft and extremely well constructed.  I'm especially smitten over this new addition to my clutch collection ~ the all in one bag.  It's big enough to fit all of my night out necessities, but small enough that I can toss it into a larger bag for work.  Best part?  It comes in 9 different colors and can be monogrammed!!

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.

Right Amount Of Give

Today I've teamed up with Rachel of Chicago Chic, Cara of Cara Loren and PBandJ Boutique to present to you the 'Right Amount of Give' with Henry & Belle jeans.

Sweater:  J.Crew, Collared Top:  Forever 21, Jeans:  Henry & Belle c/o PB&J Boutique, Bag:  Marc by Marc Jacobs, Shoes:  Zara (old, identical pair here, LOVING these), Bangle: C.Wonder (similar here), Sunnies:  Ray-Ban

When I was asked to do a denim campaign I was super excited but a little reluctant at the same time.  If you're anything like me, it can be a long, laborious process to find the perfect-fitting jeans.  When I'm in need of some new denim, I typically find myself entering the fitting room with 10+ pairs.
This brand was new to me and I knew nothing about the fit, but I'm the type of person who loves to try something new and to my delight, the jeans fit like a glove!  It was as if they were made for my body.  The material is super-soft and comfortable, and I found the length to be perfect + no bagging in the behind, no muffin-top.

I decided to go with the Ideal Ankle Skinny in white.  Whites and brights are my favorite for summer, and an ankle length jean is best for showing off those sexy summer sandals.

I love the sassy suspenders that Rachel paired with her super-skinny superiors {try saying that 5x fast}.  She is seriously working those jeans!

Cara is looking boho chic in her Micro Flares.  Love a girl who is in touch with her inner flower child.

Aside from falling for their perfect-fitting denim, I also fell for Henry & Belle's mission statement about their modern muse:
"She’s a particular type of woman, the kind who believes that looking out for others is just as important as looking good. The kind who likes to stand out, but refuses to stand by."

And it's more than just a statement ~ a portion of all Henry & Belle sales go to various charities.  The 'Right Amount of Give' Campaign allows you to choose how the charitable proceeds are spent, and gives you a chance to hear directly from the individuals they support.
Gotta love a great product with a great cause!

**Be sure to visit Rachel {HERE} and Cara {HERE}**

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!

Back To Reality

Dress:  J.Crew, Bag:  Madison Elizabeth (similar here), Shoes:  Zara (old, similar option here for under $45!), Necklace:  Nordstrom, Sunnies:  Forever 21 (love this Ray-Ban version)

Hello readers!  Sorry for the short hiatus.  Sometimes you just need to disconnect for a bit.  My husband and I had a wonderful time in Key West.  It was hard to get ourselves on the plane to come back, but all good things must come to and end.

The weather was absolutely spectacular ~ 85 to 90 every day with minimal humidity, and the gulf water was like a bathtub.  The perfect opportunity to pull out all of my favorite summer frocks.  

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we decided not to check any bags.  This was a huge challenge for me, a girl who usually packs one bag of shoes alone, but I'm glad my husband forced me to do so.  It made going through the airport quick and easy and forced me to bring only what I really wanted to wear. {I thought about posting a packing tutorial but decided my suitcase was definitely not neat enough for that.} 

The dresses I packed were easy throw-on-and-go pieces, and the shoes I packed were neutral.  I only brought ONE PAIR OF HEELS, a nude pair of sandals, and my Tory Burch espadrilles.  I picked up this beautiful statement necklace at my local Nordstrom a few days before leaving, and I'm so happy I did.  I literally wore it with everything.  I feel that it can take any outfit up a notch and it was under $40!

Sandals:  J.Crew

{a beautiful Key West sunset}

More vacation pictures to come later in the week!