The Hunt for Leather Leggings

Spanx / Plush / Blank Denim / BB Dakota / Hue / David Lerner 

Ah, leather leggings. I've been on a mental hunt for these for ages now! Truth? I haven't even tried a pair on, but man I sure do love the look of them on others. I keep telling myself that this is the year I find my pair, but there is something a little bit intimidating about drawing that much attention to my lower half for this pear shaped girl!

So beyond swooning and pinning like a madwoman on pinterest and scoping out pairs that are available online, I think my best bet would be to get out there and try some on in person to see if this is actually a trend I can pull off. Because I am dreeeeeaming of pairing them with super cozy knits all fall & winter long! 

That said, in all my perusing I found quite a few pairs that are under $100 and thought I'd share them with you! I'm also contemplating trying these from Dynamite and these from H&M as they are both super affordable! Worth a shot! Have you tried leather leggings? How do you feel about them?  

White & Blue

Show Me Your Mumu Top / Schutz Flats / BB Dakota Dress / Mango Top / Christoph Sauvet Collection Top / Soludos Espadrilles / Soft Joie Dress / Banana Republic Top / Lovers & Friends Top 

I find it so funny and random when something all of a sudden stands out to you so much, as if you've never seen it before, and you just can't get enough of it. This is me lately with blue & white combos. I just find it so striking, feminine and fresh. I recently got a new blue & white bedding set and I wake up so happy with it every day, and that love seems to be spreading to clothing! 

I actually own very little blue clothing but this fresh blue & white combo is perfect for spring & summer and I will definitely be adding a few pieces to my wardrobe! The center top above is my absolute favorite of the bunch, and I've also seen the bottom center top on a couple of bloggers (Krystin and Crystalin) and it was gorgeous on both of them! 

Tassels Tassels Tassels!

BaubleBar Honolulu Drop Erarings / Mishky Koala Necklace /  BaubleBar Verona Tassel Earrings / Shashi Tassel Earrings /  Forever21 Colorblock Bracelet Set / Lead Multi Tassel Necklace / BaubleBar Bahama Tassel Necklace / Lead Tassel Bracelet / Vanessa Mooney Tassel Earrings / Bauble Bar Antiqua Bracelets / BaubleBar Grenada Tassel Necklace / BaubleBar Nolita Drop Earrings / BaubleBar Bali Tassel Necklace / BaubleBar Honolulu Drop Earrings 

Sometimes seasons pass where I really don't take to any of the trends and nothing in stores appeals to me. Then there are seasons like this spring where EVERYTHING appeals to me and I'm wanting everything in sight. So along with my off the shoulder obsession, I'm also completely obsessed with tassels! They are so cute and fun for summer time and just add such a playful touch to an outfit. Here's a round up of some super adorable options! 

What's your take on the tassel??

Duck Boots

Sam Edelman / Sam Edelman / Joie / Joe Fresh / Sperry / L.L. Bean / Sperry / Burberry / Sperry / Sperry

Growing up on the east coast of Canada, just above Maine (where the infamous L.L. Bean boots are made) I never thought I'd see the day that "duck boots" or "duckies" as we called them would make a huge comeback. Granted, as kids we wore the shoe style ones for the most part! Since the original duck boot has become a wet/cold weather staple, more & more brands are jumping on this trend and producing their own versions of the duck boot. Above is a round up of some adorable styles that will keep you dry & warm through the winter season! 

Which is your fave??

Cold Shoulder

Sources: one, two three

This whole off the shoulder / shoulder cut-out trend has really, really grown on me. I first started to take notice when Stephanie wore a Free People sweater (which I promptly scooped up and have worn multiple times and love!) and now that all of these pretty blouse versions are popping up for spring & summer I'm just swooning over them! They are airy & feminine and subtly sexy and I need to add some to my wardrobe, stat! 

They work really well for nights out - when you want to wear something that you couldn't wear to the office but still want to be a little covered!

Shops don't seem to have them categorized yet and most are just mixed in among blouses (like here) or party blouses (here) but I am specifically loving this, this & this! 

And, Cold Shoulder is a really great song by Adele. So if you aren't a fan of this trend, you'll at least get a good song out of this post. ;) 

Embellished Sandals

Sole Society Angelin / Dune Nancee  / Dune Neeve / Sole Society Gemma / Dune Natallie  / Schutz / Dune Jillions / Guiseppe Zanotti / Sole Society

Lately I've been loving metallic & embellished sandals - they add such a subtle dose of glam, and I love things that can be worn both casually and to dress up. These sandals definitely fit the bill. 

I have yet to find a pair myself, but my favorite ones by far are those gorgeous pair by Dune on the top right. They are perrrrfect. I first saw them on Crystalin and love them so much every time I see her post them! Summer is pretty short where I live though, so I always am a little hesitant to invest in sandals, and usually opt for inexpensive options. 

Those sweet bow ones above are currently on sale for less than $25 and could so easily be dressed up or down. The Guiseppe Zanotti Flat Sandals (here, though  I realized after putting them in my collage they are pretty hard to track down, but there are lots of other cute options here!) I can totally see making for a sweet wedding shoe if under your gown if you didn't want to wear heels, and they give off almost a Grecian feel. 

Sole Society has a few super cute options, but overall I think Dune wins the "cute embellished sandal" award. ;) 

Have you seen any others around you think I should know about?? 

Slip-on Sneaks

1 / 2/ 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8

So this trend is by no means new... slip on sneakers were everywhere last summer, and perhaps I'm just late to the game but I'm all of a sudden obsessed. They add such a cool, laid back vibe to any outfit, and are also super comfortable. Stylish comfort? You can't beat it.

Above are some of my favorite ways I've seen them styled! I've linked to each individual blog above but you can also check these out & more on my pinterest! 

Shop some great options below! I just ordered these ones for less than $30! 

Sequin Season

(all images via pinterest) 

With a holiday/housewarming party around the corner, I have my eye on party wear and nothing says holiday party quite like sequins! You can go full out glam with a sequin dress (this strapless number is killer, too and less than $90!) or mix a casual cozy sweater or tee with a sequin skirt or pants, or dress up jeans with a cute sequin top! All kinds of ways to work sequins in to your holiday wardrobe! 

What's your favorite way to sport sequins?

An OTK Obession

(photo source)

Sole Society 'Andie' / Louise et Cie 'Navaria' / Sam Edelman 'Johanna' / Stuart Weitzman 'Quiltboot' / Chinese Laundry 'Riley' /  Seychelles 'Abroad' / Stuart Weitzman '5050' / Belle by Sigerson Morrison 'Janika' / MICHAEL Michael Kors 'Regina' / Chinese Laundry 'Fawn' / Sam Edelman 'Kate'

You guys, I'm obsessed. About a week ago I said to my friend Sarah "I think I've just decided that I need over the knee boots..." and then within about two days I became absolutely obsessed with the idea. I had a pair back in 2011, actually, though they folded over at the top and were a little pirate-y, so while I wouldn't necessarily want those ones back, I really, realllllly want a new pair.

And from the amount I'm seeing them pop up in stores and all over blog-land lately, I know I'm not the only one. So I thought I'd do a little round up of some of my favorites. Finding the right pair for the right price can be tricky, but there are a few pairs here that are totally affordable (4 of the above pairs are under $150!)

For me personally, I think I'm pretty set on a flat, black pair, but I cannot decide between leather or suede.

Which pair is your favorite? Or have you found another pair you love?

Leather Leggings

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

Happy September! Can you believe September is already here? As sad I as I am to see summer go, there are so many amazing things happening this fall that I can't help but be excited!

And as fall approaches I'm having a serious moment with leather leggings and pants. From coated jeans to the real deal, these slick pants have me swooning. While they can look super hot dressed up with heels, I'm finding myself really drawn to the more casual looks with oversized sweaters and flats or sneakers. They add an instant edge to an otherwise casual look and I definitely hope to add something similar to my closet this fall. These are definitely something I'd want to try in person before committing to, but a few great styles can be found here, here & super affordable here! 

Statement Necklaces for Summer

Baublebar Cape Knot Collar / Baublebar Organic Fringe Bib / Sole Society Beaded Necklace / Olive + Piper Rainbow Fan Fare Necklace / J.Crew Brass Cutouts Necklace / Kate Spade Day Tripper Necklace / Baublebar Dipped Curliecue Necklace / Olive + Piper Fruity Daquari Beaded Collar 

This summer I find myself wanting fun, punchy statement necklaces that have a little more of a laid back, casual vibe. Most of my pieces feel a little too heavy, a little too glitzy, and maybe a little too formal for the care-free days of summer! I'm eyeing bright beads that will make my sun dresses look polished without looking overly fussy or that will take simple cutoffs & t-shirt to the next level! 

Which one is your favorite? Or have you stumbled upon any other ones you think I should know about? I'm particularly swooning over that last Olive + Piper one at the moment! I own nothing like it, and love all the bright twisted beads! 

The Prints of Summer

River Island Pineapple Dress / Topshop Palm Playsuit / Cake For Breakfast Flamingo Tank / Karen Millen Palm Tree Skater Dress / TIGRA B Palm Print Bikini / Kate Spade Lemon Keds / River Island Pineapple Mini Skirt / Loeffler Randal Emma Citrus Flat /  River Island Stripe Palm Print Mini Skirt / Alice + Olivia Flamingo Skirt / River Island Tropical Palm Crop Top / Topshop Lemon Dress / Topshop Tropical Skaters / Loeffler Randal Citrus Print Clutch 

I'm both thoroughly amused and in love with all of the crazy prints that are popping up this summer! Lemons, pineapples, palm trees, flamingos... there's a little bit of everything out there and it's all super fun, quirky and cute. I've yet to find much in person around here yet, but I'm definitely on the hunt! I do have that sweet flamingo tank on its way to me that I ordered from Eluxe, which I'm super excited to wear!

How are you feeling about this trend? Adorable and fun? Tacky and weird? Will you be sporting any of it this season?

Black & White

Tibi Scattered Heart Cami / Rebecca Minkoff Woven Bonnie Satchel / Kate Spade Le Pavillion iPhone Case / China Glaze White Out Nail Polish / Tibi Stripe Tie Top / Schutz Inaya Sandals

It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of black & white ensembles, and as much fun as all the color & bright prints can be during the summer months, there's also a slew of adorable summer wear in classic black & white combos! Above are a few things I'm absolutely swooning over that would make such chic additions to a summer wardrobe. 

I'm on the hunt for a great white nail polish that doesn't leave me feeling like I'm sitting in 7th grade painting my nails with liquid eraser. First on my list to try is China Glaze's "White Out" and possibly Essie's "Blanc". Have you tried either of these or have other suggestions for another opaque-but-not-matte perfect white polish? I'd love to know!

I hope you're all having a happy Thursday!

The Pink Crossbody Bag

Tory Burch Neon Snake Cross Body Bag / Michael Kors Small Fulton Saffiano Messenger Bag

Kate Spade Saturday Half-Circle Bag / Rebecca Minkoff Skylar Mini Cross Body

Marc by Marc Jacobs Intergalocktic Ozzie Sia Bag / Marc by March Jacobs Top Chicret Cross Body Bag

One of the items high on my summer wishlist is a bright pink cross body bag. Crossbody bags in general make for the perfect no-fuss summer bags, you just sling them across your torso and you're good to go for city wandering or park strolls! They leave your hands completely free for shopping or ice cream cones. But adding a bold punch of color - and in this case, hot pink - makes it even better!

I'm yet to find my perfect bag - I love the Tory Burch, Michael Kors and Rebecca Minkoff ones above, but I'm not sure they fit my budget for a fun time summer bag. There are also a few more affordable options available, but none that quite fit what I'm looking for. The hunt continues! 

Whites, Brights & Prints (for under $50!)

White & lime laser cut out dress / White chiffon floral blouse / Floral body con dress

Floral print blazer / White blazer / Geometric blouse & skirt set

This spring I feel myself lusting over brights & whites - there is something so fresh about a vibrant pink, orange or lime paired with a stark, crisp white, especially when combined with fun prints! 

I'd love to add any of the above to my wardrobe, and don't even know what I love most... the laser cutout dress is so gorgeous in white & lime, and that vibrant body con dress has me dreaming of hot summer nights on the town! And that last dress that looks like a peplum? It's actually a two piece skirt & top, which allows you to mix & match with other pieces (genius!) 

And if you're like me and want to buy everything in sight right now, the good news is that all of these items are under $50, so you can fill your closet without feeling too guilty! ;) 

Happy Wednesday!

On The Hunt - Nude Shoes

Rachel Roy 'Faye' / Dolce Vita 'Nicola' / Belle by Sigerson Morrison 'Daisy'  

Derek Lam 'Bijou' / Rebecca Minkoff 'Patricia' / Vince 'Lara' 

Good morning! I'm taking a little break from my London photos to talk about one of the biggest things on my spring/summer wishlist - a nude strappy heeled sandal! I've actually been looking for the perfect pair for 2 years now - back in 2010 I bought a pair that I loved (and if you'd like to see a blast from blogger past, you can check out my post about them here - not only does this post make me miss those shoes, it also makes me miss my long hair, sun tan, and obviously smaller frame...) but I wore those shoes to death that summer, and they are definitely worn & tired. 

Every summer I vow to find a replacement, but it's yet to happen. Above is a collection that could possibly take their place (I'm looking at you, Rebecca Minkoff beauties!) and maybe this will be the year that I find the perfect pair! 

Shifty Business

Tibi Windowpane Shift Dress /  TOPSHOP Lace Pannel Shift Dress / TIBI Variegated Stripe Shift Dress

TIBI 3/4 Sleeve Silk Draped Dress / TOPSHOP Grid Print Tunic Dress / J. Crew Crepe Mini Dress

I'm officially obsessed with shift dresses. It needed to be said. Lately, I've been swooning over almost every one I see! I consider it more of a realistic spring dream - sundresses and sandals are still very far away, but these 3/4 length shift dresses make for the perfect transitional pieces! They're flirty and fun, come in a million fun colors and prints, and are wearable with both tights AND bare legs, when mother nature finally allows!

I'm particularly swooning over the Tibi ones - the windowpane print is adorable, and I had to hold back on not making this entire post about Tibi! Though if you're looking for a more affordable option, I am completely in love with this BB Dakota Noland dress (the picture just didn't fit my collage!) and am definitely hoping to scoop it up for spring! This style of dress is also super versatile... can be worn simply for a day at the office  with a trench coat and cute pair of ballet flats, or paired with heels and statement jewelry for a night out!

The return of the Practical Pump

Steven by Steve Madden 'Fearles' / Kate Spade 'Licorice' / Kate Spade 'Karolina' 

Isaac Mizrahi New York 'Leeza' / Jeffrey Campbell 'Flava' / French Connection 'Faith'

Zara Court Shoe with Ankle Strap / Sophia Webster 'Daria' / 3.1 Phillip Lim 'Ava' 

I've been noticing a trend in the shoe world lately that makes me a little bit excited - it's the return of the practical pump! Somehow over the years we've jumped to thinking that 4-6" heels are "normal" and that everything else looks frumpy, but I've seen a lot of super cute pumps lately that hover around the 3.5" mark, meaning they would be super easy to wear all day long, and equally as easy to walk in (no more awkward stumbling for those who haven't mastered a mega high heel!) 

All of the shoes above are below 4" in height and are completely adorable. I like the idea of returning to a classic feminine shape without the cutesy vintage vibe that tends to be associated with a lot of mid-heels.

How do you feel about the mid-heel? Is it something you'll be sporting or will you be sticking to your sky-high platforms?

Light & Bright

Gap Panama Hat, J. Crew Blythe Blouse, House of Harlow 1960 Chelsea Sunglasses in Bloom, J. Crew Garment Dyed Denim Mini, Belle by Sigerson Morrison Verena Flats

This look is completely inspired by two of my favorite blogger ladies, Helena & Julie, who recently both posted outfits wearing whites with brights and I fell absolutely in love with the idea! It's so fresh & pretty and I definitely plan to recreate my own interpretation of it this summer!

Hope you all had a lovely weekend! Also, the winner of the Derng giveaway was Alison of alison*elle! Congrats lady!

Stripe Love!

01 Markus Lupfer Striped Dress (still available here)
02 J. Crew Liv Striped Flats
03 J. Crew Colorblock Stripe Tee
04 Sam Edelman Odetta
05 J. Crew Maritime Dress
06 Pour La Victoire Venezia Satchel

My love for stripes seems to be growing stronger as we get closer to spring. So much so that I've added two of the above items to my wardrobe (well, almost... they're in the mail on their way to me!) - the J. Crew Maritime dress, and the J. Crew striped tee with neon pink! So very excited for them to arrive! Both can still be worn during these last snowy weeks of winter but will also be perfect for warmer days!