[Small] Mall Haul

Shopping is one of my favorite activities, but I really don't buy anything that often, maybe 6 or so times per year. Mostly, I end up getting one or two things at a time to add in to my closet but every once in a while, I have an unexpected haul. In my last haul earlier this summer, I snagged a few items for a great price and I've been able to wear them many times since. This shopping trip, I was determined to avoid anything too summery (since I won't get too many more chances to wear it) and instead find a few pieces that can transition well into fall and also work right now. I think I was pretty successful!

HOLLISTER




(sorry about the iPod photos!) multi floral tank top (A&F, 2010); Tecolote Canyon twill shorts in navy (HCo.)

When I saw that these were only $15 (originally $29.50), I snapped them up. They also have them in white and khaki, but I've got a pair of khaki shorts already and white isn't practical for me. They also have the Brooks Beach shorts for $15, which are similar but are cuffed. My sister bought the same shorts (even the same color!) earlier in the summer. Now we can be shorts twins ;)




Orange cropped hoodie (HCo., similar here); navy/orange floral button-down babydoll cami (HCo., 2008); destroyed denim miniskirt (HCo., 2010)

When I saw this cropped hoodie, I was a little confused. I had bought the exact same hoodie (but in aqua) a year ago on clearance--why was this still in stores? But when I saw the price ($7.90) I knew I couldn't pass it up. I can always use a little more orange in my closet.

ABERCROMBIE & FITCH




April ruffled tank in pink (A&F); Deidra cuffed twill shorts in dark brown (A&F)

I had just discovered these shorts while browsing online just before I left to go shopping. I fell in love because brown is my favorite neutral and I have a new obsession with twill shorts. Plus these are cuffed, making them even better for nicer events. Also available in light grey (they didn't have my size, unfortunately), light pink (I like pink but I shy away from very colorful shorts) and white, all $20 (originally $40). These shorts will work great in the fall because of their muted color. I also found this tank for just $26.60 (30% off original price of $38) and liked how pretty it was. The color is totally different than anything in my closet, but it's very girly, which I love. This is available in light grey, drak grey (would have bought if I had had more money to spend), navy and white. I had a 20% off entire purchase card, so the two items cost just under $40. 

Do you wear shorts in the fall? Favorite neutral shade? 

Weekly Outfit Highlight: July 21-July 28

This week was a busy one for me, between a picnic with my family, going to a waterpark and my birthday on Wednesday, I haven't had much time for outfit pics but I did take a few that I'd like to highlight this week (along with a few of my favorite birthday gifts)!

1st: hot pink babydoll tank (A&F), pink/orange plaid scarf (AE), pink polka dot headband (AE), brown woven leather belt (A&F), denim cuffed sh, orts (A&F Kids), mixed bracelets

2nd: white pearl and jewel necklace (AE), navy ruffle tank (HCo.), blue plaid shorts (HCo.)

3rd: light green floral dress (HCo.), coral bandeau bra top (VS Pink), pink crystal necklace (AE)

4th: shell necklace (AE), mixed bracelets, yellow/pink floral babydoll tank (HCo.), denim destroyed miniskirt (AE)


I did wear this same scarf last week, but it was with a very different outfit. I'd love to get more scarves to mix and match with, though!

Above is the pair of pajamas I got from Gilly Hicks for my birthday. They didn't come as a set, and the tee isn't technically a sleep shirt, but I think it's super-cute with the koala applique. The shorts are very girly, which is right up my alley.

I've already started reading this book, and it's very useful. I never knew the history of so many things I wear so it's really an interesting read.

This is probably my favorite present: the Coach Poppy Daisy Graffiti backpack! I love how it can work as a school bag and as a purse and the graphic black & white design mixed with a burst of red and magenta. This is my 5th designer bag, and I know it's gonna get a lot of use, just like my other ones.

What is the best birthday present you've ever gotten? Favorite handbag designer?

Lust Looks of [August]

With my birthday this week, the beginning of August in just a few days and another school year starting in about a month, I've been thinking a lot lately about what I want my style to be this fall. There are so many new pieces I'm lusting after in my favorite stores, but how can I create foolproof outfits from them? I turned to Polyvore to round up a few of my current fashion obsessions and combine them to make the perfect look for any occasion.

SURF PREPPY

(From left to right): Zuma Beach sweatshirt (in navy, HCo., $39.50, Epic Only), Beacon's Beach striped cotton skirt (HCo., $49.50), Classic Beach Flip Flops (in navy flower, HCo., $39.50), Classic Messenger Bag (in navy, HCo., $49.50), turquoise retro sunglasses, Victoria's Secret Eau de Toilette in Fresh and Clean ($15), OPI Nail Polish (in blue shatter)

RUGGED CHIC

(All items from American Eagle): AEO Desert Boot (in sand, $59.50), AEO Studded Concho Belt ($19.95), AEO Floral Scarf ($24.50), AE Distressed Denim Cutoff Shortie ($29.95), AE Off-Shoulder Dolman Sweater (in heather ice, $49.50)

PRETTY POLISH

Nina Vannah pink espadrille sandals (zappos.com, $90), Embellished Leather Belt (in navy, Abercrombie Kids, $34.50), hot pink plastic bangle, Summer Beach Totes (in navy ruffle, Abercrombie Kids, $29.50), Maddy lace tank (in white, Abercrombie Kids, $79.50), Gwyneth polka dot skirt (in navy, Abercrombie Kids, $29.70)


What are you lusting after for August?

Weekly Outfit Highlight: July 13-20

Now that I've figured out how to create a page featuring all the outfits I've had on the blog (check out the 'Lookbook' tab under the header), I decided that I want to do a photo collage highlight of my outfits of the week. I also discovered how cool Picnik is for editing photos, so these won't be boring collages. I hope that by doing this every week, I can really narrow down my personal style, and avoid wearing something too often! And I hope that maybe you'll get some inspiration from them :)

Top Left: pink ruffly lace tank (Abercrombie Kids), pink/orange plaid scarf (American Eagle), unpictured khaki twill shorts (Hollister)

Top Right: sparkly bauble necklace (AE), coral bandeau bra (Victoria's Secret PINK), navy floral/bird dress (HCo.), mixed coral and pink beaded bracelets (Aeropostale)

Bottom Left: light yellow belted floral dress (Abercrombie & Fitch), white pearl and jewel necklace (AE), mixed metal bracelets (AE)

Bottom Right: burgundy plaid sheer blouse (A&F Kids), navy cami (HCo.), navy culotte shorts (A&F), chain and jewel necklace (AE), mixed metal charm bracelets (AE), silver bow headband (Target)

These were my favorite outfit from this week, and I think I did a good job mixing things up. I do tend to wear some of the same jewelry (especially bracelets) day after day, so I need to work on switching those up. I also love dresses, but I'd like to limit wearing them to twice a week, so I can get some other things in there, like shorts and skirts.

What is your "go-to" outfit? 

OOTD: Preppy Princess



Abercrombie Kids pink lace ruffle tank (similar here), American Eagle pink/orange plaid square scarf, Hollister twill khaki shorts (similar here), mixed bracelets




New haircut and color



Side view

Considering some of my favorite stores include Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister, you might assume that I have a very preppy style. However, I think I'd classify my style as a mix between girly, preppy and boho. I'm not one to wear polos with khakis, but I have a few "preppy" pieces in my closet. These twill shorts are a relatively new addition. I don't think I've ever owned khaki shorts, so it was definitely time to include some in my wardrobe. I love that they're dressier than denim, but just as versatile. Today, I decided to take them in a girly direction, pairing them with a ruffly pink tank and a pink plaid scarf. I usually wear necklaces, but I'd love to add more patterned scarfs into my life. They're a fun statement accessory. This outfit works perfectly for both casual and nicer events. The tank is from Abercrombie Kids, which may seem a little silly, but they have similar items to A&F at a fraction of the price, and often their pieces fit a little better. I'm a "straight-up-and-down" girl so kids clothes definitely suit my frame better. My only complaint about this tank is that it's a little long to wear with these shorts, but I'm petite so I'm used to things being too big. I also have longer legs than torso, so I'm on the lookout for shorter tops to wear with my short shorts.


How do you wear twill shorts? If you're a petite, where do you shop for tops (so they're not too long and loose)?

How To: Wear A Romper

Forget little sundresses and flowy miniskirts--this summer, it's all about the romper! It's a perfect playful addition to anyone's warm-weather wardrobe. Rompers look similar to dresses, but are better for casual occasions. They can be hard to pull off, but typically work very well on petites and taller women as well. However, almost anyone can find the perfect romper to suit their style and figure.

To choose the best romper for you, think about where you'd like to wear it. If you typically wear very casual pieces, pick out a simple cotton romper in a bright, solid color (like Hollister's Malibu romper, pink, $17.94). You can then amp it up by adding a funky patterned scarf and a pair of wedges. If you like to make a statement, try a pattern, like animal print or stripes (Charlotte Russe One Shoulder Leopard Romper, $24.99). Keep this look from going overboard by sticking with basic accessories. If you prefer a girly or elegant style, find a floral romper or one that has ruffle detailing (Forever 21 Floral Flounce Romper, $19.80). Find a pair of polished neutral wedges and don't forget a big statement bag. 

My style is very girly, so when I shopped for a romper, I looked for a floral one. I found a cute red one at Hollister (no longer available), with large flowers, a pleated button placket, pockets and tie-waist detailing. It's a simple style, but the bold color and pattern make it stand out and work for casual outdoor events as well as going out for lunch or dinner. In fact, I wore mine on a recent vacation and it worked perfectly for window shopping and enjoying dinner outside.

Remember: the most important tip for rocking a romper is to have fun and be confident. If you feel hot, you'll look hot!

Rompers: yay or nay?