Sparkle and Shine

One trend that I'd like to get the courage to experiment with this year is sequins. I love the idea of incorporating a little glitter into my daytime uniform. Both this jacket from Urban outfitters(picture from here), or this one from BBDakota, would look so cute juxtaposed (impressive word, no?) with slouchy boyfriend jeans, OR as the finishing touch on a little black dress. Talk about multi-functional! This sweater is a good option if you are unsure about going all out with the sequins right away. In other words, it's gateway sequins. This racerback tank is a more traditional approach to the trend and can be either disguised under a black blazer or left to shine on its own when the weather gets warmer. You could also play with sequins on your feet! These Toms shoes (picture from here) are both adorable and philanthropic.

Warmer Weather? Bring on the Leather!

Two days in a row, I'm on a roll! As the middle of February rolls around, many of the stores on High Street Kensington (my new neighborhood) have started flipping out their winter merchandise and bringing out their pre-spring and spring deliveries. A popular color palette seems to be earth tones rooted in (no pun intended) khakis, browns and creams. Since this trio has showed its face in spring clothing before (and since I am strapped for dinero) I find myself looking back into my closet to bring pieces from seasons past out of hibernation. One way to make what's old new again is by incorporating all of the fun leather jewelry that has sprung up all over the place. This leather cuff from Rugby (picture from here) will look so chic with slouchy khaki trousers and a crisp white blouse, while this cuff from Alice and Olivia will add some sparkle to just about anything. This Gorjana option in plum (picture from here) is a discreet way to add some color to any outfit composed of neutrals.

Luck Be a Lady

After having spent a month in Europe I have become so inspired by the way that European women seem to be so effortlessly lady-like and it has sparked a desire to acquire new digs so that I can play dress up and pretend to be as sophisticated as they are. One of the easiest ways to instantly up your fabulosity factor, on a traveling students budget, is to play around with accessories. I am obsessed with these dainty gloves from Modcloth. They'll go so well with the vintage Mercedes convertible that I plan to own in my next life. I also like these pretty little things which will be better suited for the spring weather that I hope is just around the corner. These earrings from J.Crew (picture from here) are another great way to add a spot of status and will look great paired with almost anything.

Elegant outerwear is also a great way to put your most elegant foot forward. This beauty from LuLu's (picture from here) will be perfect in the warmer months and will go great with black, straight leg Audrey Hepburn-esque pants and sparkly ballet flats. For the next few weeks of winter, try something warm and sleek like this number or maybe even like this one.

(Hunt) Top of My List

Well, it was my new years resolution to start blogging again but, like so many resolutions before, it crashed and burned. This morning, however, I decided that it wasn't too late to follow through and so alas- Blog Post #1 of 2010. Another 2010 resolution of mine is to finally get my hands on a pair of hunt top boots. The only problem being that I am more broke now than I have ever been before (thank you exchange rate from dollars to pounds-oh yea, I forgot to mention that I made it across the pond!). On my list are these beauties( picture from here) by Corso Como (which also come in this delicious caramel color), and maybe even these for those rainy London days. Wish me luck in my endeavor to be a faithful blogger for the rest of the year! (and happy 2010!)

Don't Rain on my Parade

So once again I have failed at being a dedicated "blogarista" and I apologize. I had some bumps in the road at the beginning of the semester, including a very aggressive case of tonsillitis, but hopefully it will be smooth sailing (sort of) from here on out! One thing that has been taking up a TON of my time is applying for study abroad programs. Hopefully I will be spending the spring in London, if everything works out (keep your fingers crossed), and so have naturally been inspired by the city in my quest for creating the perfect (budget friendly) wardrobe. One thing that I am positive about is that it rains a TON in London, maybe even as much as it does in Nashville, so I will obviously be inneed of some super cute rain duds. Already the proud owner of some super-chic Burberry equestiran style rainboots, I have discovered that I need to branch out in the rain footwear department. I still cannot believe I do not yet own a pair of Hunter boots (picture from here). It really is just pathetic, but both my sisters have some and when I'm home I just steal theres! I have always been dying for a pair of the "merlot" color, but am also a fan of the navy, the original hunter green and the orange ones that make me want pumpkin pie! Zappos has a million color options and they offer free shipping both ways, which is great for someone indecisive like me! If you aren't ready to hop on the Hunter train, or you already own a pair, consider something fun like these fron Nordstrom. They have a removable liner, which is such a plus, and the gray Herringbone is such a classy wintery fabric, maybe i'll have to get both!
Another thing that just screams UK to me is the classic Barbour jacket. Now they do have a pricetag of around $400, which makes them a perfect thing to ask Santa for, but thankfully, JCrew has come up with something similar called the "field jacket" (picture from here) and I think that it will quench my thirst for waxed cotton until December. A classic coat to have in anyone's rainy day repitoire is the trench. Now I am lucky enough to have one from Ralph Lauren that I splurged on about a year ago, but that doesn't mean that every trench has to break the bank! I like this one from MICHAEL Michael Kors that is on Bluefly.com (picture from here). The three quarter sleeves make it youthful, and looks great on warmer rainy days with a bare forearm, OR paired with a cute navy or wine colored turtleneck on those colder days. Also on Bluefly is this cute, more classic option from Via Spiga. Originally $225, now being offered for around $130, this jacket has the classic trench sillouette and will be a piece that you can turn to from season to season.

My Dog Ate My Dress

Well, it's that time of the year again. With everyone back hitting the books I was inspired to pick back up again after my two month summer hiatus. Funny enough, it seems as though the fashion world has also been inspired by the inevitable "back to school" as many of the most fun pieces for right now seem to be inspired by the classic excuse "my dog ate my homework" or perhaps more accurately in this case, "I was mauled by a tiger on my way to school", and I must admit, I kinda like it. For instance, this free people dress on shopbop.com (picture from here) paired with some adorable black suede booties is the perfect piece for a Friday night out AND it's under $100 which makes me feel like I can afford it even though my Dad left no room for "play clothes" in his drafting of my back to school budget (yuck). This navy top on 80spurple.com is another fabulously fun piece to own. Paired with skinny jeans and chunky black sandals it's so rocker-chic. This black top on lulus.com (picture from here) which was named after my favorite pink lady, is a little more toned down, but still plays up the trend of "cut outs" and would look too cool with black skinny jeans. Also, because it's not too over the top in the back, I would feel comfortable topping the look off with a fabulous long chain necklace.

ECO-CHIC

In honor of the return of my friend Liz, who has been in Argentina and has decided to save the world by going vegan, I decided to round up my favorite organic, eco-friendly options para la primavera (the spring) y el verano (summer). Now most organic pieces do tend to be a little pricier but when you think about how good it is for the enviornment you can justify the extra penny. Lucky for those of you who are like Liz, many mainstream brands have begun to jump on the organic train. Hanky Panky, makers of my favorite skivies (purchase them here) have an organic boyshort which is super adorable AND an organic version of my fav's. Seven for All mankind also has an organic version of their slouch jean (picture from here) which is such a perfect hue for warmer months. Scoop them up and pair them with this organic slouch T for an Earth friendly fabulous look. Now not all organic clothes are casual. This ruffled top (picture from here) would be perfect for date night with some black jeans and a bright clutch!