Sock It To Me!

Socks used to be the forgotten accessory. Who really cares that much about socks, anyway? No one will see them (probably), so does it really matter if they're cute (or match, for that matter)?

This season, a lot of my favorite stores are selling socks. Not just any old socks, but cute socks. All kinds of patterns and colors. Knee-high and slouchy, they're perfect for a bold school girl look with a mini skirt and cardi. Or if you're feeling shy, you can let just a little sock peek out from cropped boyfriend jeans. Socks are totally versatile, and are great for cooler days when you want to stay warm but still want to look good.

What is your favorite way to rock socks?

Lust Looks of [September]

As much as I dread leaving summer behind for classrooms, long treks to and from lectures and homework, I love fall. It certainly doesn't quite feel like fall here yet--it's still in the low-to-mid 90s--but I know yellow leaves and cooler temps are just around the corner. Here are three looks perfect for fall and all that it brings!

SCHOOL-GIRL COOL

(From left to right): Bay Shore lace tee (in navy, HCO., $34.50), Rolling Hills polka dot skirt (in blue, HCo., $39.50), Classic SoCal socks (in navy dot, HCo., $10.85), ALDO Cwik oxford (in grey, zappos.com, $50)


BRIGHT & SPORTY

Classic Beach Flip Flops (in light green, GH, $10), Banded Sweatpants (in pink, GH, $25), Yoga Bra (in blue, GH, $19.50 or 2 for $25), Potts Point tank (in green, GH, $10)

PREPPY PRINCESS

Bass Reid leather heeled oxfords (in oxblood leather, zappos.com, $78.95), Sarah cardi (in blue, A&F, $98, Flagship Exclusive), Kylie dress (in navy, A&F, $128, Flagship Exclusive)


What are you lusting after for this September?

The Lust List: Autumn

As sad as I am that summer's nearly over, I'm also extremely excited for fall to arrive. I'm already beginning to stock up on essentials that can transition between late summer and early fall. I'm also on the lookout for stand-out autumn pieces.

[From left to right]: ALDO Pirnie Bootie in grey (zappos.com); Coach Poppy Sequins Poppy Cinch purse in dark amethyst (coach.com); AEO Owl Pendant (ae.com and American Eagle stores); Hollister Orange County dress in burgundy (hollisterco.com and Hollister stores)

I really love the owl pendant for its bold quirkiness. I'm getting into jewel tones for this season, especially ruby and plum. And I've been wanting booties since last fall!

What pieces are you lusting after for autumn?

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?

Foot Candy

The big trend in footwear this season...neon colors! Don't be afraid to show off your feet this spring in candy-colored sandals, wedges, pumps and flats!

Add some color into your life with bright jelly flip-flops!

Wedges are still going strong, and what better way to liven up a simple springy outfit than with a pair in a neon shade? Try tangerine (Not Too Coy Lydia in orange, $89) or cherry red (Jessica Simpson Tamandy, $89).
Flats are perfect for on the go but they don't have to be boring and neutral! Patent leather ballet flats look great in lime (Bloch Patent Ballerina in lime, $129). Electric blue is the way to go with a dressier pair (Me Too Ladon in royal blue satin, $62).
Royal purple is a gorgeous shade, especially when paired with an embellished sandal (Report Cobb in purple, $60). Watermelon pink is a classic for sandals (Roxy Tuscany in pink, $36).

Whatever color you choose, your feet will be sure to stand out. Don't forget the nail polish!

Obsessed!

One of my recent posts was a list of my fashion confessions. Now I want to do a post on some of the things I'm obsessed with--pieces I have a lot of in my closet or just can't get enough of.

• SWEATERS: Who can ever have too many of this wardrobe staple? Mine come in all the colors of the rainbow (minus yellow and black, because I hate black), many styles from button-down cardigan to open fit and all kinds of detailing. I still have room for more...
• FLIP-FLOPS: No, not the cheap-o rubber kind you wear to the pool. I always buy leather or faux-leather, and I'm on the lookout for cute details. This spring and summer, I'm looking for glammed-up sandals.
• BABYDOLL TANKS: I'm a little upset, because I haven't been able to find these at any of my favorite stores in quite a few months. Maybe spring will bring a new crop of these. They're great for every frame and in my opinion, more flattering than fitted tank tops.
• JEANS: Um, okay, who isn't a little obsessed with jeans? I've got a pair of dark-wash boot cuts (American Eagle), two pairs of dark-wash flares (AE & Abercrombie Kids), a pair of light-wash destroyed boy fits (AE) and two pairs of dark wash boy fits/slouchies (both AE). I'm still hunting down the perfect pair of destroyed dark-wash jeans, preferably in AE's new slouchy fit. I've never been a big fan of skinnies but I like a little variety in my jeans.
• DRESSES/SKIRTS: I am such a girly-girl. If I could live in miniskirts and sundresses every day, I would. Of course, the Colorado climate doesn't quite allow for that, but I make do by pairing my minis with tights during the winter. I stick with my more muted colors, so it works for the season, but unfortunately, I don't have a dress yet that doesn't scream "summer". Definitely on my wishlist.

Accessories for Under the Tree (or in the Stocking)

Christmas is only 10 days away! For you procrastinators out there, that means you only have 9 more shopping days left before the big day. If you still haven't checked off your gift lift, don't despair--there are still plenty of great ideas out there, plus you can still take advantage of shipping deals that will get your gifts delivered on time.

This year, if you've got a tight budget, you don't have to settle for less. Stock up on tons of accessories for that fashionista in your life, or maybe introduce your style-newbie friend to the joys of jewelry and handbags, all for low prices.

American Eagle is a great place to go to get quality jewelry at a fraction of typical prices. The AE Jet Statement Necklace ($22.50) is perfect for a girl with an edgy style, while the AE Friendship Bracelet ($12.50) is great for your little sister. If you've got some money left over, why not buy a little something for yourself, like the AE Rhinestone Stacked Rings ($15.50)--they'll go with anything, so it'll be a smart purchase.
If you're looking for shoes, look no further than Zappos.com! They've got a huge selection of styles, colors, brands and sizes so you're sure to find the perfect pair for anyone. The Spring Stohrer flats in pewter ($20) look luxe, but are super-cheap. Score a deal on a standout pair of heels with the Unlisted Sewing Kit peep-toe pumps in fuschia ($39.20)--these will look great at any New Years party! Or stick with a casual daytime look--the Electric Cowboy booties in tan ($51.68) have a bit of an edge to make even the simplest outfit shine.
Target is the place to go if you want to find cute purses at low prices. A great clutch that'll be perfect for parties or nights out when you don't want to lug around a huge bag is the Merona Ruched Satin Envelope Clutch in purple ($16.99)--the electric color will pop against a LBD. Shoulder bags are always classic, but if you want to mix it up, check out the Melie Bianco Mustard Flower Layers Shoulder Bag ($49.99)--the yellow color will go with more than you might think! If your friend prefers a cross-body, try the Bruges Studded Crossbody Handbag in stone ($19.98)--the color is neutral enough to go with anything but the stud detailing adds a little edge.
Find the perfect gift for anyone...at prices you can afford!