The September Issue.

O.M.G.




Her Royal Highness, Queen Anna.

Daydreaming.......

You know the feeling when you are so obsessed with fashion, clothes, and accessories, it is literally painful to see some of the more gorgeous, expensive, designer pieces you know you will never own. Lucky for me, I love trolling vintage stores and sample sales for great deals, and they do make up a good portion of my closet. BUT, if money were no option, I think I could easily blow a lot of dough on Net-a-Porter every day.

{Oscar De La Renta Plaited Fabric Necklace, $890}

{Proenza Schouler Sequin Cutout Dress, $2,300}

{Matthew Williamson Mohair-blend Cocoon Coat, $1,820}

{Yves Saint Laurent Tribute Platform Pumps, $995}

{3.1 Philip Lim Beaded Silk Flapper Dress, $975}

Splurge vs Save

Which one is the splurge?

Okay, you got me. This weeks Splurge vs Save items are not identical. But, the resemblance is uncanny, as are the savings.

Costume jewelry can really make a statement. Let your jewels do the talking, and not your credit card statement.

Thoughts? Personally, I've had some of my Banana Republic jewelry for years and it has really withstood the test of time (and my clumsiness!) I cant say the same for my recently purchased Lee Angel necklace from Gilt, which has, sadly, already started to fall apart.

#1. Banana Republic Braided Bead Necklace, $48

#2. Lee Angel Twisted Chain Necklace, $365

Now & Later

I went out this weekend and all I wanted to wear was a white boyfriend blazer. The only problem : I don't own one yet! Thus the inspiration for today's Now & Later post. All of the September glossies assert that the boyfriend trend is here to stay, which is good news for me seeing as I love the slouchy style of blazers and denim.

{Elizabeth & James Blazer, $395}

For a summer look, pair it with uber casual pieces.

Be a rule breaker and wear white after Labor Day with pride (Biker chick booties mandatory).

Mad, Mad, Men

Eat your heart out, Don Draper.

Mad Men Yourself here.

TGIFF.

An homage to Kate Moss, just because.

{Longchamp}

{Missoni}

{Agent Provocateur}

{Calvin Klein}

{Just Cavalli}

Ed Note: How awesome are the CK ads? I can't get enough of them.

Euro Trip

I'm planning something big. So big. I'm going to Europe - for one whole month!! I couldn't be more excited about the places I will see, people I will meet, wine I will drink, and food I will eat. I 'm in a constant state of euphoria, I don't expect that to change anytime soon. Aside from picking my destinations and places to stay, I am more focused, naturally, on what I will wear!

October is a tricky month, so I have to pack layers. Walking everyone means comfortable shoes, but I would rather go barefoot than wear running shoes. It may rain, so I have to be prepared for that. So.much.to.think.about.

I'm thinking lots and lots o' leggings, various things to pair with said leggings like basic tee's and wrap sweaters, scarves, hats, this list is already gaining too much momentum. I have a penchant for overpacking. #1 on the list is a pair of comfortable yet stylish flat boots that look as good wandering around as they do after a late night of trop du vin. Oh boy.

I will have this to compete with, after all......

{All images via The Sartorialist}

Snap Happy

I think Polaroids are one of the best ways to catch an honest moment. With the technology we have now we can take videos, reduce red eye, even photo shop in a background or a beauty mark, Polaroids are a dying breed. Polaroids have a certain authenticity that sucks you into that moment in time. I came across She Hit Pause Studios and immediately fell for their whimsy and charm.

PS - my new found obsession with Shark Week definitely added to the intrigue with all the surfing shots and I recently survived a ride on the Cyclone at Coney Island. That roller coaster is not for the faint at heart :)

Shopbop Love

I love to shop. There, I said it. Granted, I'm no Rebecca Bloomwood from Confessions of a Shopaholic, but I do love to increase the size of my wardrobe. I have already mentioned my Gilt Groupe love here, but I carry the same torch for another e-commerce great, Shopbop. The site has designer lookbooks, the ability to shop by trend, and a kick ass blog. Sorry, I don't mean to gush, but it really is love.

They carry all the best contemporary brands and even high end designers, where you can peruse the selection all you want without any pressure to buy.

Some of my favorites from the current inventory:

T Alexander Wang Classic Mini Pocket Long Dress, $110

Patterson J. Kincaid Midwest Slouch Top, $98

Giueseppe Zanotti Open Toe Cork Platform Pumps, $437

Alice & Olivia Trapeze Knit Coat, $440

And, they have an ongoing sale that is seriously ridiculous - 30,50, and 70 %! Happy shopping.

Now & Later

Today's forecast for New York City proper is a high of 97 degrees Fahrenheit. Pair that with 87% humidity and you've got a seriously sticky situation. This kind of weather calls for something light & breezy.

{chickdowntown.com}

This Yumi Kim Hippie Sari Floral Maxi Dress is a perfect way to beat the heat and still look put together, effortlessly.

SUMMER

This gorgeous silk maxi dress can still be worn in the fall months, and not just on a vacation! The black and gray tones make it easy to work in with other pieces from your existing (darker) wardrobe.

FALL

I am sad to admit I am actually getting excited for the coming of Fall! I need to enjoy the August heat while it lasts.

It's Friday!

Happy Weekend! Hope you all enjoy the best days of the week.

My plans are:

a lovely brunch at pastis.

a day of perusing the goods at the nearest flea market

followed by a champagne toast

and a night on the town with the girls.

xoxo

{image 2 du miel aux epices, image 3 simply seductive, image 4 plush palate}

Rant!

Like any normal human being, I have several pet peeves. Chewing with your mouth open, one car taking up two parking spaces, etc, etc.

What's really starting to frost my cookies are celebrities that think they are "designers". From the A list to the D list, celebrities are clamoring to make an extra buck. Like the Hollywood paychecks really don't go far enough?

The best of the best: Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen's Elizabeth & James line. Some items are a tad overpriced, but other than that the designs have really been on point.

{Elizabeth & James Bubble Shorts and Roselyn Dress, both available at Shopbop}

The worst of the worst: Anything Lindsay Lohan, Miley Cyrus (she just "collaborated" with Max Azria for Wal Mart), Jessica Simpson (her shoes are cute, but she joins this category for shameless self promoting, appearing in her own advertisements).

I will step off my soapbox now. Thank you for listening, er, reading.

{image via vi.sualize.us}

Beauty Obsessions

Three little words. Matte Nail Polish. I have been waiting for this for awhile now. OPI Matte Nail Lacquer in Russian Navy, $8.50

Other OPI Matte colors include: La Paz-itively Hot, You Don't Know Jacques!, Gargantuan Green Grape, Alpine Snow, Lincoln Park After Dark. Get them here.

Splurge vs Save

A girl can never have too many handbags. My requirements for a handbag are: fashionable, functional, and durable. It has to be easy on the eyes, but not so beautiful (and expensive) that it should be housed in a glass case. It has to fit everything I tote around with me on a daily basis, which has come to include my wallet, camera, phone, notebook, and flip flops. As for durability - who hasn't slung theirs over the back of a chair or *gasp* placed it on the ground?

#1. Foley & Corinna Classic City Tote, $485
#2. Roxy Over The Rainbow Satchel, $46

It's easy to spot the 'knockoff' here. Everything depends on your budget for the Fall.... What do you think? Splurge or Save??

Now & Later

I can't believe it is already August - where does the time go? It's time to start thinking about what to wear this fall (eek). The best way to get excited for the upcoming season is with pieces that you can wear right now and when the leaves start to change. So, every Monday for the month of August I will introduce a piece that can take you through the change in seasons. Frugal gals everywhere know our money needs to go a little bit further than it used to.

First item on my list:

Yellow is Gold Silk T-Shirt Dress from Urban Outfitters, $68

For the rest of the summer, keep it plain and simple. A fedora and a pop of color keep you looking fabulous, even when the temperature really heats up.

Come September (or later depending on your location), add a cozy cashmere sweater to keep you warm. A vintage belt and some serious footwear are all you need to round out your ensemble.