Summer Blues

Top : Urban Outfitters / Shorts : Loft (40% off right now) / Bag : Forever 21(similar, 60% off) / Sunglasses : Quay / Shoes : Loeffler Randall (get the olive color 40% here)

I have always loved a good off-the-shoulder top, but this summer my love has grown to pure obsession. I can't stop! This blue shirt from Urban Outfitters was a recent purchase and one that I am very happy about. It is so comfortable and light, and would work equally as well as skinny jeans as it does with shorts. I definitely plan on pulling out as much as I can before the warm weather fades into fall.

I was in the West Village for dinner a few nights ago and threw on this breezy shirt and short combo to brave the heat. I got these shorts and pulled them out for the first time, a perfect basic black piece. Sometimes a leather bag can just feel too heavy in hot weather so instead I opted for this Forever 21woven bag instead of my usually cross-body items.

Stealthy Style : Camel Coat

Way back in the day there was a show on the Style channel called ‘The Look For Less’. The show featured a runway look that was re-created on a very limited budget. I loved, loved this show and someday I have a dream of re-lauching it with myself as the host! But until that day comes, I will continue to hone my look for less skills. After many, many years of shopping I have learned what items are best to splurge on and when you can find an amazing steal that looks way more expensive than it is. I am such a fan of the cheap thrills and wear them so frequently that I often get asked where I got an article of clothing and my response is an enthusiastic “Old Navy!” or “Forever 21!” often met with a comment like “I can never find good stuff when I go there”. To give my assistance, I am introducing the first installment of Stealthy Style, where I will feature a current look I am craving and where to snag similar items that easily fit into a limited budget. I am also including my top 5 tips for shopping at discount stores at the bottom of the post, so be sure to read through!

Let me know if there are certain looks your interested in getting for less, I’d love to hear from you!

I love the simplicity of this look, the colors are neutral yet impactful. I would wear this to work on a casual Friday and easily swap out the heels for ankle booties for brunch or a casual dinner out. The best part of this outfit is how versatile every piece is and can be worn with many items you already own. I'm a basics lover and this outfit has key basic elements you will be able to wear again and again.

shirt // Old Navy (alternative option : Madewell)

jeans // Urban Outfitters (alternative option : Old Navy // Cheap Monday)

coat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Forever 21)

shoes // Sam Edelman (alternative option : Sam Edelman - on sale!)

bag // Halogen (alternative option :  Halogenx2)

hat // Forever 21 (alternative option : Asos // Old Navy)

2.9.11

 Ok, ok, it's not spring yet. But if you're like me you've already been dreaming about the wonderful ways to blow your money on warmer weather wear. While my list extends longer than this post (and continues to grow each day), I've gathered a few of my "wanted" items into an outfit I hope to re-create when my legs can see daylight again. It can't be that far away, I'm pretty sure Phil didn't see his shadow...

1. Coral silk. (Topshop)

2.Tan Leather Jacket (Style by Marina)

3. "Boyfriend" shades, (Ray-Ban)

4. Tie front shorts. (Miss Selfridge)

5. Patent oxfords. (Urban Outfitters)

6. Nude clutch. (J.Crew).

Current Closet Favorites: June

While unpacking my college attire, it has come to by attention that I own way too many articles of clothing. However that doesn't mean I give them all equal treatment, au contraire. There are always those items that get worn again and again when in a certain mood/frame of mind. Now that summer is here, the frame I am in, is a mix of worn-in, and glitz. Here are some of the items I currently have in high rotation and/or looking forward to wearing asap.

1. Bright tangerine loose button down top; purchased at Salvation Army.
2. Matte Watch Sunglasses; purchased in the men's department of Urban Outfitters:
3. Straw Fedora; purchased on the streets of the West Village last summer, after a particularly rowdy brunch.
4. Levi's; purchased at Salvation Army, that were cut, ripped and bleached by yours truly.
5. Urban Outfitters Tank; neon yellow, perfect compliment to a tan.
6. Vintage pendant; purchased at Green Eyed Lady in West Chester.
7. Friendship bracelet!
8. Vintage bracelets; gold purchased at Green Eyed Lady, turquoise purchased in Paris.
9. Sparkle Studs; purchased at Urban Outfitters.
10. Cream bag; I am currently putting a gold chain strap on this; purchased from H&M.
11. Berkenstocks; say what you will, but these shoes are darn comfy, and I think with the right outfit can look even chic.

While I acquired items from all over; from Europe to the men's section, what they have in common is that they all bring a carefree, laid back attitude...and make use of one of my favorite things; COLOR! I suggest trying a mix of bright colors, with faded denim and sparkley jewels from a perfect high and low look for summer.

And if you want more details of how to make your own bleach,ripped,destroyed shorts from mom jeans, let me know!

-E

newest dress addition

woo hoo, Coles and I will be matching.

Urban Outfitters, Silence and Noise Strong Shoulder Dress

Holiday Wishlist

It's that time of year when people tend to give us things. Which means we need to know what to ask for. While there are many items one may hope for for the holidays (cough, camera, cough), wardrobe additions are the gift that keeps on giving throughout the season. That being said, I have complied a few items that I would love to open this year for christmas, and will hopefully give you some ideas of what to put on your own wishlist for the holidays. Anddddd, bonus, now you know what to buy me!

1. Bustier; these little numbers work wonders on any figure, and are actually super flattering, assuming you get the right size, and pairs perfectly with a high waisted skirt for a holiday party or night out. Urban has them in many a color and pattern.

2. Nighttime Shorts; I've been looking for a perfect pair of shorts to wear out at night, and while it's easy to find them for an arm and a leg, not so easy on the cheap. Urban has this silky black pair, I would wear with a shirt tucked in, tights-possibly patterned and booties. As long as it is a winter/evening appropriate material, shorts are a great alternative to skirt for winter.

3. Serious Heels; This shoe is just so badass I can't get over it. I think this is the perfect shoe for New Year's Eve. Not much more to say, I'm sure your already convinced of it's amazingness.

4. Feather Skirt; Simple color, unique texture, feathers add that extra sumpin' sumpin'. I would wear it exactly as this dashing young dame is, with a loose white tee and some jewels.

5. The Baggy Tee; Quite the basic, a baggy loose tee is a current essential in the modern female's wardrobe. However, many a friend of mine do not own such items (you know who you are who have borrowed from me). I am a sucker for all things tee, but I recommend having at least a white and black version; dressed up or down you will wear this all the time. BDG from Urban has tons of colors and styles. But really you can find this a lot of places, if nothing else just buy a normal tee two sizes too big.

6. Utility Jacket; I have been wanting a big military jacket like this since the fall. The color and style are very menswearish but worn with some big jewelry and a girly shirt it's the perfect juxtaposition.

7. Fresh Shades; The weather may be blah, but you can still keep things bright and cheery in these sunglasses. Totally unexpected and will put a smile on anyone's face, that is if they can see you from behind their giant puffy jacket as they trudge to class. At Cornell at least.

8. The Muff!; These things need to make a comeback. So classic, and practical too. This one even has an attached chain so you don't have to hold it! Very holiday, one horse open sleigh.

There you have it. Happy Wishing! And just a reminder I live at 577 Gregory Lane, Devon Pa, 19333, so you can send my presents there. Thanks!