comfy knits + statement bottoms

All the cool people are doing it. I think I should, too.

{Columbine Smille}

{J.Crew}

{Wendy's Lookbook}

{Zara}

{fashiontoast}

{Sincerely, Jules}

YogaWear

{lululemon - Get Fit Tank}

My usual fitness routine is sporadic at best, however, for the past few weeks Holly, Rachel and I have been going to corepower Yoga, 3 times a week.  The classes are heated and intense and while I have not seen any results yet, I certainly feel stronger and more fit.  Of course since I am working out more often, I also need more active gear!  My go-to brand for athletic wear is lululemon; all the items I own, from my most recently purchased Get Fit Tank to my favorite Groove Pant, fit great and feel incredibly smooth and comfortable.  The only downside is that their prices are quite steep, especially for clothing you're going to drench in sweat, so I have been looking for a price-friendly alternative.  While perusing Target, I found these capri pants that have a similar look and feel to my lululemon pants, and so far they are functioning quite well too.  At less than 1/3 the price, they are totally a steal.

{Target - C9 by Champion - Seamless Capri Pants}

I also saw this top in store, but they did not have my size in stock.  The top comes with an inner-bra, which is one of my favorite features of lululemon tops.  I just ordered one online... crossing my fingers it works out well! 

{Target - C9 by Champion - Premium Athletic Top}

i heart J.Crew

{J.Crew Ruthie shirtdress} 

From the unique color block scheme to the leopard shoes, 

I can't stop looking at this outfit!

I don't know how long J.Crew can maintain its winning streak, but it's pretty amazing how they've seemingly reinvented themselves as a result of Jenna Lyons' leadership.  I've read numerous articles about how she single-handedly "revitalized" the J.Crew brand--her story is so inspiring and she is such an intriguing woman, that you just can't help but love her and want to know more about her.  Season after season, J.Crew literally tells me what I want, what I need, and what I have to have!  Recently, I've been loving their cool, relaxed, work chic vibe.  Every single one of these outfits just has that extra J.Crew pop to it!

{J.Crew pencil skirt in bi-stretch wool}

the super laid back chambray is complimented by the 

girly, edgy, thick heeled platform pumps

{J.Crew schoolboy blazer in navy}

every part of this outfit is so right now: 

stripes! blazer! bright bold pants! leopard clutch!

{J.Crew Herringbone vest}

sheer shirt + vest = geniusness, don't you think?!

The New It Shirt

This is my new favorite shirt. It's super soft & super comfy, with roll-tab 3/4 length sleeves, box pleat front pockets, & a drawstring detail at the back.

EXPRESS Tie-Back Military Shirt

Available in Pitch Black, Liquid Grey, & Wild Orchid

I wore it on Tuesday as a tunic over a mini skirt

Rag & Bone Swinton Bandage Miniskirt
Herve Leger Signature Essentials Bandage Miniskirt
Splendid Layers Miniskirt

Just like Ashley Olsen's look (at the Prada NY Epicenter Party)

Just Jared

Fighting Eel

This is a brand that every girl needs to know about. Easy-to-wear knit items that can be dressed up or down for every occasion. Solid colored basic shapes that can be worn over & over, & bold colored prints in flattering silhouettes.

I found this dress from Fighting Eel when I was in Kauai & wore it to one of the events on our trip. It's a beautiful blue pineapple print tunic from Hanalei Paddler. It's a good thing my friend & I had the standard "what are you wearing..." conversation earlier that day, because she was planning to wear a similar Fighting Eel maxi dress in the same print! (Below on the left).

Fall 2011 looks from Fighting Eel

Blushing

{dress - Max Studio, cardigan - J.Crew, shoes - Target, 

watch&bag - marc by marc jacobs, belt - UO}

My usual work attire consists almost exclusively of black and gray.  Clothing just feels more sophisticated and professional in black and gray, but I have to admit, it's quite drab, especially when it is bright and summery outside.  This all blush-toned outfit is perfect for the season and also seems to have a positive influence on my mood (don't I look happy for a Monday morning?).  On a side note, I'm also carrying my Kate Spade Thermos (Christmas gift from t.lynn, thank you!) which is the absolute best coffee cup.  It keeps my latte steaming hot all morning, the cap serves as a tiny-mug and the confetti polka dots are super cute!

girl time!

Last weekend, Mandy, Rachel, and I spent some much needed girl time together. We attempted to go vintage shopping, ate yummy/healthy food that our boyfriends probably wouldn't enjoy, and talked about weddings, interior decorating, clothes, and tons of girl stuff for hours. I really don't know why we don't take more lazy Sundays to just hang out and catch up with each other!

I loved Rachel's cute summery hat (which was perfect for our walk from boutique to boutique) and new cargo skinnies and Franco Sarto's, and Mandy's easy and perfect-for-a-day-of-shopping H&M floral maxi dress and ring.

{BR tank & skinnies, Franco Sarto sandals, necklace from Target, J.Crew belt}

{H&M maxi & ring, Steve Madden sandals, BR tassle necklace, & Ray-Bans}

Celine In Action

{Zara blazer; Express maxi; DKNY sandals; pearl & chains necklace from Rachel; Celine Mini Luggage bag}

I fell in love with this hot pink blazer after seeing it on another blog and had to track it down when I visited California! I love that the hot pink color brightens the grey dress and gives this work outfit a more cheerful feel than if I had paired it with a black blazer.

Food, Friends & a Bag?

{Forever 21 maxi dress & earrings; Bag from a leather shop in Florence, Italy}

On Sunday, I met T. Lynn and Rachel for lunch at the Plumeria Beach House at the Kahala Hotel. They were both in town for weddings and it was really nice to see them and catch up on each others lives.

Then we made a pit stop at Aloha Rag, where I bought a new purse!

Introducing the newest member of my handbag collection: the Celine Mini Luggage in Camel! The leather is uber soft and pebbled, and despite the bag being called 'mini', it really isn't! It'll be the perfect day bag for work and on the weekends!

Ride Ready

My 4th of July weekend was a theme park filled extravaganza.  In order to survive three days of long lines, excited kiddies and extreme sunshine, I kept my wardrobe lightweight, simple and most importantly, machine washable.   

{variation of the side braid posted here}

{Martin+Osa t-shirt, Joe's Jeans cuffed shorts, Jewelmint necklace, H&M ring, Butter - Come to Bed Red nail polish}

 {crossbody LeSportSac bag}

 {Sperry Top-Siders}

Maxi'd out

{f21 maxi, Lily McNeal sweater, Maria Sharapova by Cole Haan sandals, f21 necklace, Hermes bracelet, Chloe perfume, Essie's Innocent}

Mandy and I took Shannyn's word a little too seriously when she raved about her new Forever 21 maxi dresses, and ended up buying a bunch for ourselves--and when I say "bunch," I mean I ended up with five (at $10-13 a piece I couldn't resist!).  They're the perfect easy, comfy, basic piece to go with all my summer favorites.  Best of all they require no hemming! Thanks for the tip Shannyn! 

 {f21 maxi, Ann Taylor silk blouse (also shown here), Franco Sarto Espadrilles, Juicy Couture watch, this ring, Banana Republic necklace, MJ Daisy perfume, Essie's Chubby Cheeks}

Chanel - Maiden Voyage

 {Chanel - Classic Caviar Jumbo Flap with Gold Hardware}

As you all know, Chanel had yet another price increase on June 1st.  I had been lusting after the  Jumbo Classic Flap for years and after hearing about the latest price increase, I thought it was time to make one mine.  But after several SAs at different Chanel boutiques informed me that this particular bag was sold out and had very long waiting lists, I disappointingly gave up my search (at least pre-price increase).  As fate would have it though, on Memorial day (May 30th) I strolled into the Neiman Marcus Chanel boutique just to see what they had in stock.  The SA must have overheard me chatting with my boyfriend about the Jumbo as she interjected and asked "are you serious about buying one?"  "Uhm, YES!"  She explained that she had one in the back that would be available the next day (May 31st) after she made a formal return from a customer who had ordered it.  I was able to see and hold my Chanel that day but would need to come back the next day to make her officially mine.  Let me tell you, that was a nerve-wracking 24 hours worrying something would go amiss, but here she is on her maiden voyage!

{Equipment silk shirt, Gap jeans, Charles David peep-toes, Rayban signets, F21 necklace, Nixon watch, Chanel flap}

In Observance

I am always excited when Memorial Day weekend finally rolls around not only because the day promises beautiful weather, relaxing by the water and barbeques galore, but also because it happens to be the first paid holiday of the year for my office (whoo-hoo!).  In honor of this national day of memoriam, and a nod to the 'ole red, white and blue, I have put together what I think is the perfect outfit for the upcoming 3-day weekend.  

1.  asos - Floppy Straw Fedora Hat - $36.93

2.  James Perse - Shop Bop - Summer Stripe Long Dress - $165

3.  Made - asos - Multi Wooden Cube Necklace - $107.10

4.  Madewell - Flower and Fringe Scarf - $59.90

5.  Deborah Lippmann - CUSP - It's Raining Men Nail Lacquer - $16

6.  Made - asos - Mwezi Simple Brass Bangle - $49.86

7.  Juicy Couture - asos - Gold Woven Chain and Fringe Dip-Dye Bracelet - $138.49

8.  J.Crew - Bronwyn Pursette - $128 (similar to my vintage pouchette)

9.  Tory Burch - Nordstrom - Miller Logo Thong - on sale $129.90

Classy

I know she has a lot of haters out there, but I LOVE Olivia Palermo's sense of style. She is classy and elegant, yet knows how to incorporate just the right amount of trendiness and youth into her ensembles. I find that sometimes it's easier to be trendy than following your own sense of style. When I see pictures of her, it reminds me that it's okay to be a little plain and conservative sometimes!

{photo credit: The Vogue Diaries}

{photo credit: The Vogue Diaries}

{photo credit: People.com}

{photo credit: People.com}

{photo credit: The Vogue Diaries}

{photo credit: Style.com}

{Photo credit: People.com}

Spice It Up

{Zara silk leopard top, Gap cardigan, Rebecca Taylor pearl necklace, 3.1 Philip Lim bag, Manolo Blahnik black patent pumps}

This leopard print Zara top is one of my favorites because it's so versatile. I can wear it to work, out to dinner, tucked in or out. Since I work in an office, I am constantly looking for ways to spice up otherwise-potentially-boring outfits. In this instance, the bright pink cardigan and statement pearl necklace did the trick just perfectly!

Vintage Finding

 {Splendid striped cardigan, Gap ankle zip jeans, Foreign Exchange cross-back tank, J.Crew metallic skinny belt, Sperry Top-Sider Boat Shoes in Ice (not shown), Ray-Ban Wayfarer, Peggy Li Two Hearts Necklace, gold dimpled ring, thrifted vintage Coach leather bag}

This past weekend was a very vintage-y one for me.  I have sifted through vintage and thrift stores before, but have never been able to find anything worth taking home.  So when I wandered into Buffalo Exchange at The Lab this past Saturday, I didn't really expect to purchase anything.  Despite my lack of optimism, the shape and color of this Coach pouchette drew me in.  The bag was in really good shape, had a cool pull-button enclosure and was priced at $20!  After a quick consultation with my boyfriend, I pulled the trigger and made my very first vintage/thrift purchase.  

It only seemed fitting to debut my new-old purse while perusing antiques at the Rose Bowl Flea Market.  Holly and I have been planning to make a trip out to the flea market for months, but as circumstances had it, one of us was busy on each second Sunday until this past weekend.  Check back tomorrow for Holly's post on some of our flea market finds!