SJP to the rescue!

Oh my, I'm in love with this look.

Glamour was asking its readers today if the ensemble Sarah Jessica Parker wore to the premiere of her new flick "I Don't Know How She Does It" is a DO or a Don't. And I say wholeheartedly, "DO!"

She looks like a sexy superhero! A couture fashion goddess! Now, I'll admit, no mere mortal could pull off this daring Giambattista Valli gown and matching cape-- in fire engine red, no less. But I applaud a little risk on the red carpet. Movie openings, galas-- that's the time for celebrities (and wanna-be's with an invite) to have fun with fashion, not to play it safe. And yet, I'm often let down by lackluster looks that are in desperate need of a shot of attitude.

Luckily, we can count on a certain crimson-clad, cape-draped superwoman to spice things up.

How does she do it? :)

So tell me, what do you think of SJP's look? Fierce and fabulous, or fashion overkill? As a die-hard "Sex and the City" fan-- I'm watching first season TV reruns as I type-- I am firmly in the SJP-can-do-no-wrong camp, but I'd love to hear what you think!

xoxo,


Image via Glamour

Manifesto

A little inspiration for your Monday. Actually, a little inspiration for every day.



Manifesto Poster by Holstee, via UPWoRD (Thanks, Lori, for sharing!)

Stones, beads and bangles, oh my!

Last post was about cute clothes, this one's about fabulous accessories.

Welcome to my world. I'm a perpetual Internet window shopper!

Even though summer is almost over, I couldn't help but show you these colorful, natural beauties from Ruche. And I have no doubt one could work these into a fall wardrobe, if one so desired. Let's keep that summer lovin' feeling all year long!

Adela Coral Beaded Necklace

Pure Sentiments Bangle Set, Akila Wrapped Bracelet and Manukau Harbour Beaded Bracelet in Ivory

Thunder Bay Beaded Necklace in Brown

Stone Canyon Necklace

While I'd love to add any and all of these to my overflowing jewelry box-- especially the Stone Canyon Necklace-- I already purchased this necklace and this ring from Francesca's, my new favorite boutique. So I guess my accessories quota is filled. At least for the month. :)

xoxo,

Lookie Lulu's

When I saw this top while browsing Lulu's new fall look book the other day, I instantly fell in love. It's light and flowy with ruffles and a unique print-- it just screams me!

Until I saw the price that is. $113!! Talk about sticker shock. I may spend too much money on clothes, but if I'm going to drop a C-note, I better be getting a couple items, not just one blouse! I don't even spend that much on jeans.

Despite this disappointment, the rest of the Crossing Sunset look book is definitely worth a flip. Here's a few of my fave ensembles (note: It looks like not everything is available online yet, but we can still look and drool, right?):

Love this boxy jacket with a flouncy skirt.

Aren't those oxfords adorable? (These are pretty cute too, and maybe more wearable.)

I'm kind of obsessed with WkShp's tees (I have this one and want this one) and this Rising Sun Grey Crop Top is pretty fabulous, especially with the Mink Pink Mozambique Print Maxi Skirt. So easy and breezy to throw on for a casual weekend running about town.

These fringe shorts are amazing! Not sure I could pull them off in real life, but I love them on the model all the same. I'm totally on board with the fringe trend and have eyed many a fringe purse. And I have a scarf that looks just like that feather-printed sheer vest.

Even though this is a fall look book, the photos still seem warm and sunshiney to me. And really, in Southern California, our summer seems to last until October so that's alright by me. :)

xoxo,

Status update

Ok. So I'm hoping this post doesn't make me come off sounding like a lonely and bitter witch. 

But, as I was about to post about more stuff—which, don’t get me wrong, I love me some pretty stuff—I thought that maybe I should write about what’s really on my mind.

And then after writing it all out, I debated actually posting it because, well, it's not easy for me to be so open and vulnerable on here.

Still, I’m guessing there are some of you out there who will get how I feel. So here goes.

It seems I am at the age where everyone I know—friends, acquaintances, coworkers, former high school classmates, you name it—is getting engaged, married or knocked up. Well, the better way to put that would be to say they are starting a family.

Now, I know that this is the normal course of life. I’m a 20-something, approaching 30, these things happen. But I think certain platforms like, ahem, Facebook, make me hyper-aware of the situation. Every day it seems people are updating their statuses with life-changing news. Look at my sparkling new ring! Check out my wedding pics! Isn’t my darling baby darling?!

But don’t misunderstand. I am thrilled for my friends when I hear this type of news and when I write “Congratulations, I’m so happy for you!” I am completely sincere. Really and truly. But there is this little nagging part of me that wonders, “When will that happen for me?”

Even proclamations of, “I got my dream job!” or “Just closed on my new home!” can elicit that kind of inner, heart-sinking response from me.

I wouldn’t describe it as jealousy. Just a feeling of not being where I wish I was—the sort of ache that keeps me up at night when those self-defeating, woe-is-me thoughts creep in.

And yes, a tinge of loneliness. I am lonely. (But I am actively warding off a turn into bitter-ville.) My ex and I broke up six months ago and although we are still friends and talk often and hang out—a kind of odd relationship that is hard for people to understand—sometimes you just want someone to hold your hand, you know?

There it is. I guess I’ve been feeling a bit sad, a bit restless and a bit stuck. I’ve probably driven my best friend crazy with these feelings of insecurity! But really, I’m sure there are others out there who feel or have felt like this. How do you shift your negative thoughts and get out of a funk?

I know everyone has their own path to follow and that many of the things I’m looking and hoping for will happen when the time is right. But I'm also a believer that sometimes you have to take the reigns of your life and make a change when you’re not happy or to get where you want to be. Change is something I tend to avoid like the plague, but I’m thinking it’s high time I become more of a risk taker.

So here's to being patient but enjoying the ride, and being proud of my own life (thou shall not covet, right?) while taking baby steps forward to make tomorrow more like my dreams.

xoxo,


Love-ly photos via we heart it: 1, 2 and 3.

In the genes

Awhile back, while browsing a selection of dresses on sale at ASOS, I noticed an interesting pattern emerge. Many of the frocks I was flocking to were by the same designer: Vero Moda. Not long after making this realization, I came upon another: Vero Moda is a Danish fashion house! Being that I am half Danish, I was quite tickled by this discovery. (My mother's parents emigrated from Denmark-- she was actually born in New York, not long after they got off the boat! At least, that's how I tell the story.)

Not that I need any excuse to shop, but this fact motivated me to purchase the two Vero Moda dresses pictured above: the Printed Dress with Elasticated Waist (not a very sexy name, and out of stock online, sorry) and the Floral Frill Waist Dress.

Though Vero Moda is new to me, it's not exactly new to the fashion scene. It made its mark by using beautiful babes Kate Moss and Gisele Bundchen in their marketing campaigns. According to the house's "about me," Vero Moda focuses on quality, affordable and inspiring clothing with a range of dresses and tailored garments that embrace the essence of current trends while still maintaining a practical edge.

Sounds like the kinds of designs I'd like to fill my closet with!

So today, I revisited ASOS to take a peek at what's new in the world of Vero Moda. And I was absolutely smitten with their floaty chiffon dresses, sheer billowy sleeves and adorable-sometimes-funky prints-- all with the perfect touch of the 70s, which is so on trend this season. Below are my faves:

Folk Print Chiffon Dress

Contrast Lace Tiered Dress

Deco Bird Print Kimono Sleeve Chiffon Swing Mini Dress

Long Sleeve Polka Mini Dress

It is so hot outside with temperatures climbing into the 90s and fall seems so far away right now, but I think each of these dresses would look fantastic with some opaque black tights or a great pair of camel-colored boots. I may have to scoop up one or two... Hey, what can I say? It's in the genes. :)

Have you made any fashion discoveries lately?

xoxo,

Hello, again

Hey there, blogland! No, I didn't fall off the face of the earth. Even though, I will admit, it almost appeared that I had. If I didn't live at home, my mother may have sent out a search party.

Instead, she asked a few weeks ago, "Have you quit blogging?"

Nevermind the fact that I'm still always a bit creeped out when she asks about my blog (sorry, Mom!), I answered incredulously, "Noooo! I'm just busy!"

Which is partly true. I could blame my absence on work. That's my tried-and-true excuse. But if I am totally honest, I have just been feeling uninspired and completely unmotivated when it comes to blogging.

But I have missed it. I've missed you! My bloggy friends and your supportive, kind, and even funny words.

So here I am, back to blogging. Let's start slow, shall we?

I thought I'd share with you this package I received in the mail today. Have you heard of JewelMint, the jewelry line created by actress Kate Bosworth and her celebrity stylist friend Cher Coulter?

I've been a JewelMint "member" since February-- which means my inbox has been inundated with emails about my personalized monthly showroom selections as well as limited-time deals-- but I didn't make my first official purchase until last week. I had been eyeing the Piet Mondrian-inspired necklace below since seeing it in Lucky magazine months ago and when it was featured in a 2-for-1 deal with matching earrings, I couldn't resist any longer.

Modern Love Set

I ordered last Wednesday and a chic black package showed up at my door this afternoon. I have to say, JewelMint puts a lot of effort into their packaging-- and I appreciate that extra touch. Check it out:

The inner cards describe the pieces: "Modernize your look with this 30" gold plated geometric necklace. Light olive, camel, and grey fabric insets are delicately framed to create a truly sleek piece."

The matching earrings are 2 1/4" long and made of the same materials.

The colors are darker in person than they appeared online, but I still love it. The tones will work great with my summer wardrobe but easily transition to fall, too. I have to say, I don't think the jewelry is particularly high quality-- though I don't see it falling apart either. Definitely a step up from Forever 21! But I don't think I'd consistently spend $29.99 a month to get a new piece. The only reason I bought this was because of the 2-for-1 deal and an extra discount code I found online.

So tell me, what do you think of monthly subscription services like JewelMint? Worth it? Are you a member of any?

I'm also a member of ShoeDazzle, but I haven't purchased anything yet. There's lots of cute and sexy shoes but the heel heights are all too tall! Since I'm nearly 5'9" I try to stay at or below 3 inches. But what should I expect from a company launched by Kim Kardashian? :) I always say I need to start a line of sassy kicks for tall girls.

As always, thanks for reading! I pledge to do better with blogging... (Girl) Scout's honor!

xoxo,


top image via we heart it