Spring Break Wishlist, Part 2

Now that we've got the basic sun-happy items covered, here's a few other vacation-ready pieces I'm dying to have.

{J. Crew}

This classic nautical dress could easily go from beach cover-up to dinner status with a few choice accessories.

{Nastygal}

This shirt is a combination of two of my absolute favorite styles: dolman sleeve and chambray. So relaxed, yet so stylish.

{J. Crew}

Love the prim prettiness of these eyelet shorts. I have a lot of basic shorts, so I'm looking to add more special ones like these to my summer wardrobe. These could so easily be dressed up or dressed down--perfect for balmy weather!

{J. Crew}

Speaking of basic....these shorts are the perfect modern twist on a traditional favorite, the chino short. I'm having a serious thing for the color poppy right now--it's such a fresh adaptation of red for spring! Dying to pair these with a chambray shirt.

{Urban Outfitters}

{Jeffrey Campbell via Nastygal}

My current shoe of choice are funky platforms and wedges. I love that both of these options incorporate fun, citrus hues--they feel like they're straight out of the '70s.

{Urban Outfitters}

I've been scouring the Trading Post for a tooled leather bag like this. I love the eclectic feel, and this one is the perfect size for toting around all day. 

{Urban Outfitters}

See what I said about poppy? I can't get enough of it. This dress is an absolute gem--sweet yet sexy. It's casual romance, and perfect for a night out on the town.

{Nastygal}

I don't think I need to say it again, but I will- the maxi is a must. I love the ethereal feeling of this one. Nude hues and warm weather just seem like a natural match. Throw this dress on with a pair of strappy flat sandals and perhaps a belt...how easy can it get?

{Thread Social via Shopbop}

I am ridiculously in love with this dress. Boatnecked, nautical, backless, with a flouncy, flirty skirt? Doesn't get much better than this.

{Marc by Marc Jacobs via Shopbop}

I would die to wear this back with the aforementioned dress. I love the color combination of salmon and navy. This is one of the best bags I've seen from MMJ in a while- it's a classic shape in a fabulous color with just enough hardware. The bad news? It's sold out. I'm heartbroken. Time to find a waitlist...

The Uniform

{J. Crew blazer, Madewell button-down, Madewell jeans, Sam Edelman boots, Michael Kors watch, class ring, cocktail ring from Paris}

My ideal outfit is polished and stylish yet decidedly unfussy. One of my favorite ways to achieve this look is by pairing a button-down with a blazer and jeans.

This blazer and button-down are two items in my closet that prove a certain perennial rule of style: investment pieces are worth the cost. I get shamelessly excited over the the thrill of a great bargain at stores like Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, H&M, etc., but when it comes to those items you know will never go out of style, it pays to buy upscale. The quality and fit of both of these items are impeccable, they're both extremely versatile, and I know I'll wear them forever.

Spring Break Wishlist, Part 1

With only one more week left until Spring Break, all I can think about is my getaway. 

In all my daydreaming of endless free time and glorious sunshine, I have racked up quite a long list items I'd kill to be packing for my trip. 

{Anthropologie}

{Urban Outfitters}

I've been wanting a retro, high-waisted swimsuit since last summer. The trick is finding one that actually flatters. I love the mini-floral pattern and olive green color of these two suits.

{Anthropologie}

Loving this corset-like swimsuit. I've been hunting around for a one-piece that's equal parts flattering and stylish. 

{Topshop}

I love the idea of a lace or crocheted beach cover up. This one is simultaneously feminine, delicate, and bohemian.

{J Crew}

Hats add instant glam to any beach look. My two favorites this season are the classic floppy style and the panama hat (one of my must-haves for spring/summer). 

{Essie nail polish in Geranium}

{Deborah Lippmann nail polish in Tiny Dancer}

With your toes on display at the beach, a great pedicure is a major plus. Right now I'm loving both poppy and sheer pink, super-bright and super-light.

{Cutler and Gross for J. Crew}

The perfect pair of sunglasses are critical for any type of fun in the sun. It's no secret that I have it bad for  cat-eye and/or tortoise-shell sunnies, so it's no surprise I'm obsessed with this pair. 

Stay tuned for more Spring Break must-haves!

Stripes and Ruffles

{Anthropologie sweater and shoes, Zara trousers and belt, Michael Kors watch}

Over the weekend I decided to dress up to run a few errands, only because it would be my last chance to don heels before midterm madness kicks in on Monday. 

I have had this Anthropologie sweater for at least three years, and I still wear it all the time. I adore the French-inspired look; I die for anything navy and white/striped. 

Lately I've been drawn to chunky heels, mostly because of their retro vibe but also because they're super comfortable. This is the first chance I've had to wear these out since finding them a few months ago. I love the cutouts and unabashedly over-the-top ruffles.

Clutched

The number one item on my (completely unattainable) birthday wishlist is this drop dead gorgeous cobalt blue Celine clutch, as worn by the totally enviable Taylor Thomasi Hill (style director of Marie Claire).

It's so simple, but the shocking blue color makes it a killer piece. It feels like a breath of fresh air amidst the never-ending oversized bag phenomenon.

But, at some point, I had to come to terms with the fact that this designer gem is just not going to magically appear in my hands. That's when I found this American Apparel lookalike.

{images via kisforkinky.com and fashion squad}

Though it may not come in a fierce cobalt a la the Celine, this American Apparel caryall will definitely suffice as a cure for my designer-induced heartache.

H&M for All

{image via racked.com}

Last week, Oscar winner Natalie Portman stepped out in a $49.95 H&M dress from the upcoming Conscious Collection, available starting April 14. I adore the breezy shape and lace detailing on the sleeves--this one's headed for my wishlist!
Absolutely loving that the fast-fashion craze is hitting budget fashionistas and celebrities alike.

Hoodie + Blazer

{J. Crew blazer, Madewell hoodie, Uniqlo tank, Madewell jeans, Anthropologie flats, gifted J. Crew pendant necklace, Dogeared wishbone necklace, Ray-Ban aviators}

With the weather in a constant state of temperature limbo, layering has been key to staying warm when on campus throughout all periods of the day. I've also been wanting to wear this ultra-traditional blazer (last seen here) in more casual settings, and throwing it over a hooded zip-up and cropped tank seemed like the easiest option. 

I love the contrast of the super-casual cotton sweatshirt and the preppy-professional blazer.

I've worn both these jeans and flats to death. Though I've been ignoring the fact that they are both in a constant state of demise due to excessive wear, I am most likely going to dissolve into tears when either of them disintegrates. The shoes are the perfect combination of ballet flat and loafer- a hybrid I have yet to find elsewhere, and believe me, I've hunted. What's worse, Madewell no longer carries these jeans in this simply perfect indigo wash- a travesty, if you ask me. The lesson? If you can't live without something, buy it in multiples.

P.S. For all you denim lovers, check out my post today on College Fashionista!