50 shades of blue.

blouse: Target (similar, love this one) // jeans: Forever 21 // ballet flats: Banana Republic (identical wallet friendly version)
necklace: J. Crew (love this one) // watch: Michael Kors

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Winter seems to be a thing of the past here in the Bay Area (those couple of weeks were nice while they lasted). In turn, my spring wardrobe is making an appearance much earlier than expected. I know everyone is loving this unseasonably warm weather, but I'm praying for some winter rain! Send some of that cold weather over this way East Coast!
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Hope everyone had a great long weekend and a lovely Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

red + leather.

dress: Prabal Gurung for Target (similar, budget friendly) // jacket: thrifted (identical, budget friendly) // tights: Target
heels: Joan + David (budget friendly) // necklace: H+M (similar, budget friendly)

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Happy Friday!

Today I'm bringing you a Valentine's inspired outfit featuring one of my favorite dresses. This little red number was part of the Prabal Gurung collection from Target (a few seasons back) and I love it! I've been able to wear this to a few different events, and today I wanted to dress it down a bit. I love the look of mixing feminine and masculine pieces, which is what I did here by adding a leather moto jacket. Black opaque tights and a simple silver pendant necklace complete the look, and the end result is perfect for Valentine's Day without being too over the top girly.

Hope you all have a great weekend and Happy Valentine's Day!

xoxo,

Valentine's Day Favorites

1. heart doormat // 2. heart sunglasses // 3. pink jacquard dress // 4. hello t-shirt // 5. heart print tights // 6. 'smitten' lip stain // 7. heart shaped pizza // 8. valentine donuts // 9. hammered gold x-ring // 10. 5x7" top knot print

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Admittedly, I'm not a huge fan of Valentine's Day and all the pressure it brings to create the perfect date night. I am however a huge fan of pink, red, and all things cute so I thought I'd share some of my current favorites with all of you.

1. This heart doormat from Target made it's appearance on my doorstep this week, but it'll be sticking around all year!
2. I'm not ashamed to admit I wear heart shaped sunglasses most of the year, though I reserve this red pair exclusively for the month of February.
3. I'll be celebrating Galentine's Day with some girlfriends this year, wearing the pretty little pink dress from Chicwish above.
4. I mentioned this in my graphic tee post, but I am loving this heart tee from Hello Apparel!
5. I'll be pairing that pink dress with these adorable heart tights, because if I can't cover myself in hearts this week, when can I???
6. This Revlon Lipstain in "Smitten" is my new everyday lipcolor...it's the perfect shade of berry and it's non-drying!
7. My bf has been out of the country for work all month, so my date for Valentine's Day this year will be an evening of Netflix and a heart shaped pizza. #dontjudgeme
8. If I decide to get really crazy I'll finish the night with a couple of pink sprinkled donuts because we all know that #caloriesdontcountonvalentinesday
9. X-rings (is that even what they're called?) have been everywhere lately and I'd been looking for a delicate gold version for awhile now and I found the perfect one on Etsy!
10. I absolutely love the top knot series by Elizabeth Mayville, and I ordered this red striped version for my bookshelf! Remind you of anyone? ;)

My pizza and I wish you all a very lovely Valentine's/Galentine's Day!

xoxo,


P.S. If you're looking for an easy Valentine's Day project to make, check out my DIY heart elbow sweater tutorial (one of my first posts ever)!

pattern mixing: polka dots + stripes

shirt: Old Navy // skirt: eBay (identical) // necklace: Urban Peach Boutique (identical)
tights: Target // flats: Payless Shoe Source // watch: Michael Kors

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Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a great weekend!

I've been on such a black and white kick lately, adding pops of color here and there...but most sticking to a simple black and white palette. Today was no different! I paired this bold b+w striped skirt with a more subdued polka dot blouse, which is why I think this pattern mixing works. The striped skirt is the main focus and not competing with the polka dot pattern in the shirt, though they share the same palette.

How do you mix patterns? Any tip and tricks?

xoxo,

best of: graphic tees

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight // nine // ten // eleven // twelve

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One of my favorite things to wear on the weekends is a fun graphic tee. Whether it's layered under a hoodie for brunch or a blazer for dinner and drinks, they make the perfect weekend staple!

Today I've gathered some of my current faves...I want them all, but how cute is #5 for Valentine's Day next week!?! Pair it with a red lip and your favorite heart sunnies and you have the perfect casual Valentine's outfit...love it!

What are some of your favorite graphic tees?

xoxo,

how to wear: marsala

lace blouse: F21 // skirt: Zara (super similar, love this midi version) // tights: Target
necklace: F21 (similar, love this one) // watch: Michael Kors // booties: Payless (almost identical)

grey coat: H+M (similar, love this collarless version)

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First off, let's just file this post under, #picsimeanttopostin2014. I actually wore this outfit over the holidays. Yeah, just a couple of weeks late!

Anyways,  as I'm sure you're all aware by now, Pantone's Color of the Year is Marsala...otherwise known as maroon, burgundy, oxblood, cranberry, wine, etc. While I'm not a huge fan of the word, "marsala" (and really, who is??), I absolutely love this color! It can be worn in so many ways...from pairing a maroon sweater with distressed jeans and a leopard flat, to maroon skinnies with a pink blouse and statement necklace...it's flattering on everyone!

Rather than going with a typical LBD for a work holiday dinner, I decided to mix in a little color and wore this cranberry skirt from Zara (last seen here) with a simple lace blouse and black tights. Festive, but not over the top!

What about you? How will you wear marsala this year?

xoxo,



P.S. Sorry for the low light in these photos...I took this in the evening with super low light.

how to wear: colored tights

I've always had a love for colored and patterned tights...dating all the way back to the late 90's when I was rocking purple glitter and red striped tights in high school. #thankshottopic #dontjudgeme However, I revisited this look a few years back after I saw Blair Waldorf pair her outfits with colored tights on Gossip Girl. Side note, Blair Waldorf is my favorite fashion icon of all time!

Though colored tights can be a little intimidating, they can be the perfect way to brighten up your outfit on a dreary winter day with a pop of color. Not only can you wear them on date night, to a party/baby shower, etc...but you can also make these work for the office. Yes, that's right...regardless of age and size, ANYONE can wear these to work! They key is to keep the rest of your outfit simple.

My preferred way to wear colored tights is with a simple dress in a neutral color (black, grey, or navy), and minimize the rest of your accessories. Below I've styled my favorite black dress (J. Crew's Teddie dress), with four different shades of tights. As you can see I coordinated a necklace with each outfit, letting the tights be the focus of each outfit.

What do you think ladies? Will you try a pair of colored tights this winter? How will you wear them?

pink tights: Old Navy (similar) // flats: Forever 21 (love these)
necklace: Urban Peach Boutique (similar)

purple tights: Target // flats: Payless Shoe Source 
necklace: Guess via Crossroads Trading Co (love this one)

aqua tights: Target // flats: J. Crew Factory
necklace: J. Crew via Poshmark

red tights: Target (similar) // flats: Ann Taylor (love these ones even more!)
necklace: Forever 21 (similar)

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xoxo,

black and blush.

sweater: J. Crew // jeans: Target // necklace: thrifted // watch: Michael Kors // flats: J. Crew Factory (similar, similar, love these)
iPhone case: kate spade // nails: Sinful Colors Why Not w/ gold foil DIY detail

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As I shared last week, I'd been on the hunt for the perfect black jeans...which I ended up finding at Target. These are the Mossimo Mid-Rise Jegging, which are my first mid-rise jeans since oh I don't know, middle school maybe? I have to say, they're soooo much more comfortable (and flattering) than the low-rise versions I've worn for years. Priced at $27.99 these were a no brainer compared with some of the much pricier designer versions!

If you happen to be looking for a new pair of black jeans be sure to check out my best of the best black jeans guide! Have a great week!

xoxo,

friday finds + faves.

[colorful accessories for one of next week's outfit posts]

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Happy Friday friends!

As you might have noticed, I've been a little light on posts lately. To be perfectly honest I've been feeling a little uninspired and questioning what direction I want to take the blog this year. As much as I love taking selfies in the mirror (which was supposed to be a temporary fix until I found a new photographer), I really want to produce better content this year. Rather than just showing you what I wore to work, I want to focus more on "how-to's"...how to style a little black dress, how to apply the perfect liquid eyeliner, etc. When I originally started this blog I was featuring recipes, DIY projects, and my "this vs. that" feature, in addition to my daily outfits...and I think it's time I get back on that path!

I'd love to hear what you think...what would you like to see more, or less of this year?

Until then, here are a few of my recent finds and faves!

• I'm so tempted to buy this "All about that Bass" t-shirt! #chuckbassforever!
• Well, it's official...C. Wonder has officially closed all their stores, and their website is now gone too! It's a sad sad day friends!
• I think that Victoria Beckham's 73 Questions video just might be the best of the series!
• I love the look of this colorful geometric necklace...anyone want to attempt a DIY version with me?
• This poster of Carrie Bradshaw's shoe collection would look perfect matted and framed in a walk-in closet. Note to self: next apartment will have a walk-in closet!
• I <3 typography, and I love these bold envelope designs featured on Oh Happy Day!
• This orange sherbert creamsicle cake looks amazing...I can't wait to try it in cupcake form!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo,

best of: black jeans

1. Forever 21 // 2. Old Navy // 3. Mossimo
4. American Eagle // 5. Gap // 6. Madewell
7. Paige // 8. Adriano Goldschmeid // 9. J. Brand

One of my resolutions I made for 2015 is to focus on quality, not quantity. I have a habit of stocking up on cheaper items, then discarding them after a season when they don't hold up so well. Case in point: my Forever 21 black jeans. I've been buying these jeans for years (hey, they're only $8), and they fit fine the first few wears...and then they slowly start stretching out, rapidly fading, etc.

Rather than just grabbing another pair of these wallet friendly jeans on my next trip to the mall, I decided to try a variety of other options, ranging from $8 all the way up to $185. After trying on several pairs and comparing finishes (I was looking for a true black, no distressing), and rises (mid-rise...adios ultra low-rise), I found that the Paige Skyline Skinny Jeans (#7 above) fit perfectly and were sooo comfortable. Priced at $169, there were definitely more than I normally spend on denim, but I was willing to make the plunge if it meant a great pair of black jeans that I'd be able to wear for seasons on end.

However, I happened to check out the jeans at Target the same day and discovered the Mossimo Mid-Rise Jegging Jean in Modern Fit (#3 above). I kid you not...these looked nearly identical to the Paige jeans! Same fit, same rise, same wash...and they were just as comfortable! Priced at $27.99 they're only a fraction of the price of the Paige jeans, which is always a bonus!

In the end I decided to return the Paige jeans and took home the Mossimo jeans instead. Time will tell if the color and fit hold up with a few washings, but I'm excited to try them out this week!

What about you? What is your favorite pair of black jeans...do you have a wallet friendly staple or a designer favorite?

xoxo,

navy + purple.

Old Navy blouse // Banana Republic pants // J. Crew heels (via eBay, similar) // Stella & Dot necklace
Stella & Dot bracelet // Michael Kors watch // NYC + Wet 'n Wild nail polish // kate spade iPhone case

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Old Navy peacoat // gifted scarf (similar) // outfit detailed above

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This may be the year of "marsala" (seriously Pantone?!?), but I think I prefer the 2014 color of the year. #radiantorchidforever

I actually got the inspiration for this outfit from Pinterest. I've been feeling a little blah and frumpy lately after working from home the past few weeks...Pinterest and other fashion blogs have been a big help in getting me re-inspired to put together new outfits!

What about you ladies, are you a fan of "marsala," and where do you turn to for outfit inspiration?

P.S. This is my first post using my new iPhone 6!!! Good riddance 4s!

xoxo,

first things first.

shirt: Target // Skirt: J. Crew Factory // boots: Old Navy (sold out, similar, similar) // tights: Targe
necklace: J. Crew Factory // watch: Michael Kors

leather jacket: thrifted // outfit detailed above

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Woo hoo...first outfit post of the year! I hope you all had a wonderful and relaxing Christmas and New Years! I took off the better part of the last two weeks and couldn't have enjoyed that time off any more. Well, I could have done without being sick the past four days, but who can complain about laying on the couch and binge watching Gilmore Girls for hours on end!?! Not me!

So, for the first outfit post of the year I decided to go with one of my new faves, these Old Navy ankle boots. They're super simlar to the popular Rag & Bone 'Harrow, boots" but will only set you back about 10% of their price. Can't beat that!

What about you ladies...did you score any new favorites or sought after pieces this Christmas? What's on your current wish list?

xoxo,

hello 2015.

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Happy New Year!

It's been quiet over here the past week as I've enjoyed some downtime and taken some time off work as well as a mini blog break. Stay tuned...I'll be back to posting regularly starting next week.

Cheers to 2015 and all that it brings! I hope you had a wonderful New Years Eve whether it was a quiet night at home or a wild night on the town. We had a party here at home with friends last night and I'm still recovering today. #ineedanap

Looking forward to sharing a new year with all of you blog friends!

xoxo,