Lace + Oxfords Forever

{Dress: Target | Oxfords: Volatile via Zappos | Earrings: BaubleBar | Cuff: Luna | Watch: Urban Outfitters}

My mom laughed at me the other day for saying, "I've been wanting these forever!" because I kind of say it all the time. Seriously though, I've been looking for the perfect (affordable) brown oxfords forever. I spotted Chelsea's perfect pair last year just after they sold out at Targets everywhere, and have been on the hunt ever since! When I found this pair on Zappos, I hopped at the chance to get them!

I've also been looking for an affordable white lace dress forever and I could hardly believe my eyes when I spotted this little number at Target, of all places, for $24.99! What a steal! I should have gotten it in every color... Come to think of it, I can't stop thinking about the red version...

I wore this last night to go see Memphis with my mom at the Pantages. If this touring company comes to your area, you MUST see it - it's such an amazing and uplifting show with incredibly talented actors and fantastic music!

Louisiana + Lesions

{Top: Forever 21 | Shorts: TJ Maxx in Baton Rouge | Moccasins: Minnetonka | Necklace: soradesigns etsy shop | Watch: Boutique in BR | Bracelet: GOLDhearted etsy shop via Stitchfix}

Weird, odd, and slightly gross post title, I know. Read on...

Louisiana: Many things about today reminded me of my trip to New Orleans. Remember that trip? The one where after almost 2 years, I finally got to meet my blogging besties? The shorts and and watch I wore today were both purchased in Baton Rouge, near Sarah's house, so I feel like I've got a little of my little Louisiana hush puppy here with me. ;) Then there's my very special map/compass necklace. I ordered these necklaces for myself, Sarah, Sarah, & Bekah as a reminder that whether we're in the same place or not, we'll always be able to find our way. Cue the awwwws. Whenever I wear my necklace and look down at it, I think about these ladies and this trip. Miss you, girls!

Lesions: I wore this to a 2.5-hour First Aid class at work. After learning what to do in the case of multiple types of bleeding, horrible illnesses & injuries, and about 50 different kinds of bug bites... I feel slightly more competent and extremely more terrified.

Pastels

{Top: Sheinside | Pants: Forever 21 | Wedges: Steve Madden | Necklace: Anthropologie (gift) | Rings: Luna & Vintage | Watch: Nordstrom | Purse: Rachel Nasvik Collection}

Nothing like a fully pastel outfit for a nice summer evening. I wore this over the weekend for a delicious dinner in Hermosa at Abigaile followed by drinks out in Orange circle. Even though I dubbed this the no-pants summer, something about a soft pastel pant feels like a worthy exception!

Blogger Feature: Erin of Currently Coveting

I've been a huge fan of Erin from Currently Coveting's style ever since she wowed me with her recent 30 for 30 Challenge! Check out her impeccable city girl style (and hello - how beautiful is her hair?!)!

3 words to describe your personal style?  

Bright, Feminine, Shoe-obsessed.

What would you consider the 5 essential items to a fashionable wardrobe?  

I would definitely say that every girl needs the following five things in her closet:

1. A dress you feel beautiful in (can be an LBD or a flowy number).

2. A blazer for fancy-ing up your outfit on the go.

3. A bag that fits your personality that also fits all your stuff.

4. A great pair of sunnies that look great on your face-shape.

5. A pair of statement heels that make you feel sexy.

As young professional, how do you find a balance between fashion and comfort/professionalism/appropriateness?

I work in a pretty conservative office, but that doesn't mean I have to live my life in the standard black, grey, white and blue boring shmoring color wheel.  I try to work in bright colored pencil skirts, use animal prints as neutrals, and throw some statement necklaces in there to balance it.  While I love my crazy 5 inch heels and wish I could live in them, I leave them at home when headed to work and opt for some fun heels that are 3.5 inches and under like red suede or leopard print.

How did moving from Jersey to DC affect your wardrobe choices?

I don't think the move to DC changed my wardrobe so much as just growing up and getting a "big-girl job" did.  I moved right after college and I think that's a time when a lot of young twenty-somethings start finding out what their personal style preferences are no matter where they live, I'm still figuring it all out!

I splurge on shoes and save on accessories.  There is something about a well made fabulous shoe that is hard to resist (although I still try to wait for it to go on sale), but I love finding baubles on the cheap (I got a J.Crew necklace on eBay for $19!)

What are some of your favorite places to shop? 

I do about 90% of my shopping online (bargain hunter) but I love popping into J.Crew, Zara, South Moon Under (local), H&M, and Forever 21 for cheap finds.

What item of clothing are you currently coveting?  

This pink number or this lace one. 

I feel most myself when I’m wearing: Bright colors, A-line dresses, or my super high heels.

Thanks, Erin! Everyone go check out more of Erin's fabulous fashion over at Currently Coveting!

Sunday Song: Loudon Wainwright III

I have been lucky enough to catch the last 2 minutes of Knocked Up on TV about 15x in the last week. I just can't seem to catch it any earlier, or with any luck, from the beginning... but that's okay, because I get to hear this wonderful song every single time! Gotta love a song from a dad to their daughter, right? My dad often tells me stories of how he rocked the recorder in 4th grade, but it's a shame he never wrote me a tune on it. ;)

Pinteresting Pattern Mixing: Part 1

One wonderful thing that summer has given me (besides sleeping in, staying up late, and a mild tan) is plenty of free time to waste on Pinterest! Often times, my Fashion Love board is overflowing with style that's all over the map, but lately, I've noticed a definite trend: pattern mixing! Before I started blogging, I'd have been terrified to mix gingham with zebra print, or stripes with paisley, or ikat with skulls... but now, I absolutely love pattern mixing, and my Pinspiration proves it!

Here are some ways to mix one of your closet staples - stripes! - with some other patterns. Give it a try, and soon enough, I bet you'll be a pro! (By the way, for those of you unfamiliar with Polyvore, whenever I post a set on my blog, all you have to do is click on the image, and it will take you to a page with all of the product details!)

Stay tuned for more Pinteresting Pattern Mixing next week!

I wish they all could be...

{Shirt & Necklace: Craft Fair | Shorts: Forever 21 | Boots: Steve Madden | Watch: Baton Rouge boutique}

This is my quintessential California girl look! LA tee, cutoffs, Native American accessories, blonde waves, and a sunny 75-degree day... Perfect!


More importantly...
Please take note of my new header! I am OBSESSED with my new personalized fashion illustration! The fantastically fabulously amazingly talented Heather of Latter Day Style created it for me, and was an absolute joy to work with! Not only is she thorough, precise, and incredibly great at what she does, she is also an absolute doll! When she showed me the final product, I was BLOWN AWAY! The attention to detail that Heather paid to my favorite things makes me smile from ear to ear! If you're interested at all in a fashion illustration, family portrait, bridal illustration, or anything in between, you simply must contact Heather and visit her shop - you won't be sorry! (THANKS, HEATHER! YOU ROCK!)