J. Crew Fall 2011

J. Crew's fall 2011 lookbook is out, and I'm thrilled. The brand really took a departure from what they've been doing lately--the whole slouchy-downtown vibe--and have returned to their ultra preppy roots, with some added touches of quirk. Below are my favorite looks.

I'm absolutely loving the wild colors and crazy patterns in these ultra-traditional silhouettes. What a great contrast. The camel military coat, flared trench, and maroon trousers are my favorite picks. You can view the full collection here. 

As a sidenote, I'm dying to try the buttoned-all-the-way-up look. It's something totally new to me that I find incredibly chic.

Twenty.

I turned twenty this past weekend. 

{Alice and Olivia Dress, Madewell bracelet, Dogeared necklace}

I decided to play a little bit of dress up for my dinner party (shocker).

{Enzo Angolini shoes}

Just because I'm twenty doesn't mean I'm not a kid anymore...

Desert Inspiration

In the midst of two of the busiest weeks of my life, these photos leave my daydreaming about the extreme tranquility that was last week in the desert. 

{Arizona Muse for US Vogue February via Fashion Gone Rogue/ Bambi Northwood-Blythe for 10 Magazine S/S 11 via Because I'm Addicted}

I love the way crisp whites look against bare, desert backgrounds.

Hot Pants

I just can't get enough red. And it seems to me that the coolest way to wear it now is in pant form. See for yourself...

{images via Le Fashion, Because I'm Addicted, Chictopia, and Shopbop}

Skinnies, trousers, or flares- it doesn't matter how you cut 'em, these hot pants are my new favorite thing. I'm lusting over this Zara pair.

Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is coming up this weekend...naturally, there are few wishes on my mind.

Nastygal

With warmer temperatures on the way, fun tops, especially with cutouts, are essential.

Nastygal

Obsessed with this swingy, accordion-pleated number.

Nastygal

Since spotting these for my Spring Break wishlist I have not been able to get them out of my head. I love that they capitalize on two major trends this spring- '70s platforms and colorblocking.

 

Nastygal

I've been dying to find a cute backpack, and this one is perfect because it doubles as a shoulder bag.

American Apparel

Needing another maxi skirt. This one has a lovely color and shine, and I love the pleating.

J Brand

High-waisted, '70s jeans are a must for me this spring. These are super flattering and in a classic wash.

Catstudio

I discovered this brand while staying in a vacation rental home over Christmas break. There was a Texas pillow that I literally had to restrain myself from stealing right off the bed. I need my own! I love the kitschy, quirky feeling of it, and it's also a great way to remember my hometown.

I've been lusting over oversized, sumptuous, chic leather clutches. Though a pop of color may be more fun, this camel one will be insanely versatile.

Sarah Chloe

My obsession with all things monogrammed continues. I love the vintage look of these rings.

J. Crew

Again, this isn't the first time you've seen this hat here. I cannot go one more day of spring without owning a panama hat...so chic. 

Great Lengths

It's no secret that I'm obsessed with the maxi skirt. I am so very glad that it looks like this trend is here to stay. Too bad the near-hurricane weather we're having here in LA is not at all conducive to maxi dressing.

{images via Because I'm Addicted and Le Fashion}

All in the Details

I get shamelessly giddy over putting the details of an outfit together--I truly believe that the little things can make or break a look. Sometimes it's best to keep all accessories to a strict minimum, and other times those accessories are crucial to attaining whatever vibe you're going for with your outfit.

This was a dressed-down yet feminine, somewhat preppy day. The cardigan I'm wearing is one of my absolute favorites; the ruffles are to die for--I love how whimsical and quirky they are! The tulle detailing on the sweater makes a classic staple so special.

One of my favorite ways to play with color is to combine similar shades. I love the way these two pinks work together; one would think that the combination of pink, ruffles, and cinching at the waist would result in girly-girl overkill....but somehow it doesn't. I also layered on the jewelry because of the fun way it plays off the metallic sparkles in the tulle ruffling.

Here's the full look. (My apologies for the cheesiness of this photo...it was taken during midterm week, and thus I cannot be held accountable for my actions.)

{J. Crew cardigan, J. Crew belt, Uniqlo tank, Urban Outfitters pants, J. Crew flats, gifted bangles, Madewell crystal bangle, Michael Kors watch, David Yurman ring, Dogeared necklace, Ray-Ban aviators}

I wanted to tone down the femininity of the top half of my outfit, so I went for my trusty sweatpant-trousers. So easy, so comfortable.

On another note, with Spring Break over, I'm back in action both at school and on the blog. Thanks for checking back!

White in the Desert

On vacation in Arizona, loving the hot desert weather and beautiful landscape....which would explain my lagging posting.  

{random boutique dress, Ray Ban aviators, gifted bangles, Madewell sandals}

All I want to be wearing here is simple, easy pieces. I bought this dress a while ago (at a pop-up shop in the middle of USC campus) and had been dying to wear it, but the weather in LA probably won't be warm enough for at least another month. I don't usually like asymmetrical hems on dresses, but I find this one to be rather elegant, and I think it adds to the breezy vibe of the dress.

{Madewell sandals, Essie nail polish in Fifth Avenue}

I love the intertwined straps on these sandals, and the rich brown leather is beautiful. Ankle-strap shoes have never been my favorite, but for some reason I find these incredibly chic.