Zara Coming to Online Shopping!

My first encounter with Zara was in the summer of 2007 when I visit Spain (the retailer's home country). I was overwhelmed with excitement by the abundance of on-trend, high fashion clothing & accessories at affordable prices! Much to my disappointment, it would be almost impossible to shop at Zara when returning home. Currently, there are around 50 stores in the U.S. (none in my state, Arizona) & no online shopping. =( I was so excited to discover, starting September 7th, Zara will make it possible to purchase their product online! Just in time to do some shopping for Fall. Check out some of their Fall/Winter looks here.

Here are some pieces that stood out to me...

LOVE the metallic skirt. The bright sweater is a great piece as well. 

Chunky sweaters will be big in the colder months.

Every piece in this look is perfect!

The red leather jacket is so cool & the lace skirt is a pretty twist to the classic black pencil.

I am obsessed with this metallic tuxedo jacket!

 I love the way they dressed it down with a white tee.

The black & white pencil skirt is amazing! I love the 60's mod vibe.

Perfectly simple. Add a statement necklace for an easy outfit.

Love the leather shorts, polka dot blouse, & sequin clutch!

That skirt! Notice the metallic trend?

 A great way to add standout pieces to your Fall & Winter wardrobe.

What To Wear - Girls Night Out

This outfit is chic & confident - perfect for a night on the town with your favorite girls! I chose a 1920's Flapper-inspired top & jewelry to bring elegance & glamour to the loud red skinnies & leopard pumps (both featured in my Wish List post). I love the look of an ankle length skinny pant with pointy-toe shoes - we will be seeing a lot of this pairing this Fall. The metallic navy nail polish adds an interesting contrast to the look. Fun but classy, I know this look would make me feel ready to take on the town!

1. TopShop Deco Scallop Embellished Top $76

2. House of Harlow Star Earrings $45

3. J. Crew Deco Cabochon Ring $48

4. Vince Camuto Rues Leopard $98

5. Essie Nail Color in Midnight Cami $8

6. Matt & Nat Stardust Redwood $63 (on sale)

5 Trends to Try

I love trying new things in all aspects of my life - fashion included! Here are five current trends that have sparked my interest...

Leather Shorts
Dress them up or down, these shorts can add edge to any outfit. I love them with a ballet flat for a fierce daytime look. I see them with a feminine blouse & a polished blazer for more of a refined look; and I see them with a sexy top & platforms - a head turning ensemble for a night on the town. So many options! When it starts getting cooler outside, these would go great with patterned tights.

Polka Dots

So fun & cute! I'm obsessed with anything striped, but polka dots are a fun substitute for my favorite classic, stripes.

Knotted Belts

A cool twist to a common accessory trend.

Retro, Feminine Dresses

I love how ladylike & dainty these dresses are. I think we'll be seeing 60's inspired fashions everywhere in seasons to come. Think Mad Men.

Asos Vero Moda 50s Swing Shirt Dress $51.23

Classy Chassis Blue Dress $70

J. Crew Bonnie dress $228

BB Dakota Audri Red Dress $88

Shoes With Unique Silhouettes

To me, shoes are like the cherry on top of a great outfit. These distinguished designs make for eye-catching & interesting feet!

True Religion Ramona Braided Wedge/Heel Sandal $165

Alexander McQueen Ankle-Wrap Finned-Wedge Pump $930

Bebe Vanessa Leather Platform Pump $149

Betsey Johnson Tiramisu Stacked Platform $170

Casual Work Outfit

I am an assistant, so many of my days involve running errands around town. I'm not required to dress in my most professional attire, but on these type of days I still like to present myself as a professional to be taken seriously, as well as someone with a sense of fashion (while also being comfortable!).

After my post about layering jewelry I was inclined to use that look for a casual work outfit. I kept it professional by mixing neutral colors as a base, and then added my own personal flair with the accessories.

White Button-Up: Rubbish; Black Skinny Jeans: J Brand; Brown Flats: Steve Madden; 

Leopard Print Belt: Nordstrom; Brown Leather Bag: Gucci

Gold & Cream Enamel Chain-Link Necklace: Divaz Boutique; Orange & Cream Bead Necklace:

 Francesca's Collections (on sale for $5!); Long Gold Pendant Necklace: Forever 21; Watch: Michele; 

Bangle: David Yurman; Gold Chain-Link Bracelet: Gift

Burberry's Colorful Sunglasses

I typically go for the safe option when buying sunglasses - brown, black, or a metal frame. Recently I've been wanting to do something new & try a colored frame. It seems like most color frames I come across are the wrong shape or look tacky & almost "costumey"; until I spotted these Burberry glasses. I never thought of Burberry as a designer I would look to for sunglasses, but I came across their newest collection & I'm impressed! The colors are special but understated & the shapes are flattering & classic. They are relatively reasonably priced, $190-$250 (coming from a girl who drools over $500 Chanel's) & the men's collection has some cool options as well.

Here are some of my favorites:

Cat Eye Tortoise Shell in Tortoise Green $200

(There is also a red in the cat eye that I love)

Oversize Check Engraved in Mustard $230

Round with Tubular Arms in Trench $230

Oversize Tubular in Violet $230

Brightly Coloured Foldable in Pollen $250

These are a little much for everyday but could be appropriate for the beach or a tropical vacay! 

They fold at the center & temples for easy storing.

Layered Jewelry

Layering jewelry an easy way to create an interesting, one-of-a kind look. Anyone with a few bucks in their pocket can buy a set of bangles at Forever 21; but pile on various other bracelets from your collection & you've got your own, special look. I've done a lot of bracelet stacking, but recently I've been wanting to experiment with layering necklaces and rings. The beauty of layering is that each piece doesn't have to be perfectly matching. You can use different colors, textures, and materials to invent a combination that's unique & adventurous, but still put together & pretty. Here are some layered looks that inspired me, & also a few of my own creations.

Bracelets

Top Row: bikinis and passports; Atlantic-Pacific; EllesAppelle;

Middle Row: Jetset Chic; Larisa-Lovely; Citified

Bottom Row: ModeManiak; Man Repeller; Awesome Barbie In Pink

I love pairing my flashy gold watch with more laid-back, boho pieces.

Leather Bracelet: Target; Beaded Bracelet: Nordstrom; Braided Bracelet:

 Nordstrom; Watch: Coach; Wooden Bracelets: Street Market in Costa Rica

Gold-Chain Bracelet: Gift; Pink Snakeskin Bangle: Vita; Gold Bangles: Forever 21; Watch: Michele

Wooden Bangle: Charlotte Russe; Green Beaded Bracelet: Nordstrom; 

Rhinestone String Bracelet: American Eagle; Beaded Cuff: Target

Many think mixing gold & silver is fashion taboo. I think it's chic.

Rhinestone & Pewter Bracelets: Nordstrom; Gold-Chain Bracelets: Gift; Silver Bangle: David Yurman

Necklaces

These pictures have inspired me to start experimenting a lot more with layering necklaces

Top Row: Nina Says Hello Twice; Dahlia Lynn Lane; The Glamourai; The HONEYBEE

Bottom Row: Annie Marriner; Crush Cul de Sac; Bewitch My Heart; BlissfulB

This is a layered necklace look I tried recently. 

Silly picture, but the best I could find of the jewelry!

Pink Stone Necklace: Forever 21; Gold Spike Necklace: Nordstrom

Rings

Pictures: Hey Crazy; a glamourous little side project

I got this very cool emerald & mother of pearl ring in Costa Rica in January. Last week I realized I don't wear it near as much as a should! When thinking how to style it, I decided a stacked look would be cool; but looking through my ring collection, I really didn't have much to choose from =( Now I'm making it a goal to add some better rings to my repertoire so that I can start rocking the layered rings look.

Wish List

Being that my birthday is right around the corner, I have been thinking about some things I might treat myself to for turning the big 2-3. This late in the Summer season, I like to make smart purchases that will also be great additions for the next season. Here are some birthday-worthy items I'm itching for that will work for the remaining Summer days as well as translate perfectly into the upcoming Fall months.

1. Cuffs
I am an accessory junkie! A bold cuff is a fabulous way to make any outfit stand out. Want to be fashion-forward & fearless?! Buy two of the same cuff & wear one on each wrist! This will be a hot accessory trend come Fall.

1. Ann Taylor Snake Print Cuff $58  2. Hive & Honey Chain Linked Cuff $18.99 On Sale  3. Blu Bijoux Silver Art Deco Cuff $42
4. House of Harlow 1960 Art Deco Cuff $80  5. Natalie B. Jewelry Spiritual Harmony Cuff $143  6. House of Harlow 1960 Tribal Cuff Bracelet $220

2. Red Skinny Jeans
I haven't been able to get these jeans out of my head since the second I first saw them - I NEED them! They make a statement but are still a classic - red; the different outfit opportunities are endless, from casual day to a night on the town. They are fun enough for Summer, but also an appropriate way to brighten a Fall wardrobe. Perfect!

J Brand Skinny Stretch Twill Pants $176

3. Exotic Handbag
A good handbag can always make me feel special, even in my sweats. A snakeskin or ostrich print bag is the perfect treat, & the exotic print trend is a gift that will keep on giving in the seasons to come.

Coach Kristin Embossed Python Sage Round Satchel $798

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Sneaky Snake - Franny' Embossed Tote $358

MARC BY MARC JACOBS 'Ozzie - Baby Aiden' Faux Leather Tote $328

4. Cardigans

Plain & simple, I need more of these. Bring them to the freezing theaters when seeing your summer movies, & wear them all through the Fall.

Madewell Deckhouse Cardigan $85

dELias V-Neck Button-Front Cardi $39.50

Quiksilver Blanket Boyfriend Cardigan $64.50

5. Pointy Pump
I like to pick things that are classics with a twist. These pumps are so sexy & feminine - I think we'll be seeing them a whole lot more in Fall. Get them now & stay ahead of the trends!

Sam Edelman Portney Pumps $140

Corso Como Palomar $139

Aldo Mease $80

6. Wide-Leg Trouser
Flattering, classy, timeless - everyone needs a pair of wide-leg trousers. I love that this style is everywhere right now! Choose the right fabric & color so these pants can be utilized throughout the seasons.

Free People Texan Point Flare $78

Victoria's Secret The Rosie Wide-Leg Pant $59.50

7. Lace Overlay Skirt
This is just pretty. Styled the right way, it could work for either Summer or Fall.

Jack by BB Dakota Seleh Cotton Crochet Lace Skirt $57

8. Berry Lipstick
Every fearless fashionista needs bright lipsticks in her make-up bag. I've always gravitated toward fuschias and reds, but I've seen this berry color around & think it's the perfect pick for a new bold lip look. Again, it's fun and bright enough for Summer, but still an appropriate color for Fall.

Dior DiorAddict Lipcolor in Hollywood Rose

9. Cobalt Anything
My closet is already stocked full of blue - it's one of my favorite colors to wear; but there's something about this striking cobalt color that leaves me wanting more blue! For all you fellow brunettes, I think this color looks absolutely gorgeous on us.

ASOS Portfolio Envelope Clutch $34.48

bebe Mesh Sweater Bodycon Dress $109

Michael Kors Reversible Double Knit Cashmere Cardigan $1,595

Ok, this piece is a little out of my price range, but so beautiful I had to include it. I'll be on the look out for a more affordable version. 

Janna Conner Colbalt Jade Ring $88

BCBGeneration Helara Platform Pumps $98

Janna Conner Onyx Cuff $173

10. Neutral Flats
It's almost embarrassing that I don't already own a pair of these. Maybe these should be considered a necessity rather than a birthday treat.

Steve Madden Kingdom $79.95

Tory Burch Patent Caroline Ballet Flat $225