show some skin

These scandalous shirts that are the ultimate ode to the nineties are back - and in a big way.  They make a huge statement, and are the perfect trend to try this summer.  Styling these babies might seem a little daunting, as you don't want to look like a lady of the night, but if you keep a few key tips in mind you'll achieve that young, fresh, fun look we're all going for this time of year.  

If you want to start out slow with the trend, opt for a top that just shows a tiny bit of tummy and features longer, draped sleeves.  Pair them with a pair of low-rise cut offs, or try a some high-waisted shorts (I'm in love with these as well - especially with the Allsaints or Otis & Maclain top) or a body-con skirt for a bit more coverage.  Just make sure whatever you choose is tailored, as most crop tops tend to have a boxy cut.  If you're more daring and want to go for the teenier crop tops that only cover your chest, then play it up with a high-waisted skirt.  You can also pair it with a chic kimono style sweater to achieve more of a bohemian vibe.  However you work it, it's a fun trend that looks great with a set of tanned legs.  

1. BIRD BY JUICY COUTURE Beige Melange Close-Cropped Knitted Top

2. Gingham Pleated Crop Top

3. Allsaints Neve Top

4. Coshubble Crop Top Side Tie Youreyeslie

5. Otis & Maclain Mae Crop Top

6. POCAHONTAS CROP TOP at Wildfox Couture

7. River Island Blue Stripe Crop Boxy Sweater Top 

8. Forever 21 Lace Insert Slub Top

9. Rare Fashion: Paprika Ditsy Floral Print Crop Top

xx

A

new beginnings

 guest room with DIY burlap dust ruffle to go with the rustic theme

guest bed for all of you lovely people who will be spending many, many weekends here*cough cough Eleni and Berkeley*

 shoe display (the rest of my shoes are sneakily hidden in the built in cabinet underneath all the pillows)

 an ever-changing extra clothing rack that serves as a sort of a seasonal inspiration piece

I know that taking this long of a hiatus in the blogger world is simply unacceptable, but moving into the new house and getting acclimated has occupied way more time than I expected.  By the time I'm actually done working for the day, I usually spend my nights having a few glasses of wine with the boyfriend while enjoying our new pad, then dozing off in this sleepy little town pretty early.

Anyway, I thought I'd give you a teeny tiny sneak peak into the house.  I wanted to feature the guest/closet room first, as I'm sure that's way more interesting than a kitchen to all you fashionistas.  We had to be creative  with our closet space, as the house was built in 1910 and walk-ins didn't exist back then.  With the help of my handy grandfather and understanding boyfriend, we made it all work.

Since I only had a few small closets to work with, I decided to display some of my favorite pieces out in the open to free up more space.  I used the guest bedroom as a place to showcase some of my favorite pieces; the handmade, wooden rack displays my favorite shoes of the moment (as well as classics like my Louboutins), and the clothing rack (I can't believe I just got one of these - I'm OBSESSED) is filled with current trends and general themes I'm currently feeling.  I plan on changing it out frequently - either by season, or just when a new wave of inspiration hits me.  I'd like to think of it as a 3D inspiration board - plus, it helps me choose my outfits so much faster, as I tend to struggle with that at times.

Hope you enjoyed the tiny sneak peak, and I'll be able to give you a proper tour of the new place as soon as it's finished and worthy to show all you fabulous people.  I've missed you!

xx
A

desert song

xx

A

photos via wild at heart, where's my other shoe, tumblr, sex for breakfast, acid gypsy, google image search

free people + vegan leather

When I received the email introducing Free People's new line of eco-friendly Vegan Leather, I was so excited I practically jumped out of my chair.  While I do own a few real leather pieces, I always feel so much better about my outfit when I know no animal was harmed in order for me to make a fashion statement.  The vegan leather is soft and supple - just like real leather, and is cheaper as well!  This will go down as a definite win-win in my book.  Here's to looking like a badass while being kind to mother nature.

xx

A

p.s. Here's a little video explaining more about the line.  

Side Note: I am so so so so sorry for the hiatus from the blog.  Moving and job hunting is still owning my life, but hopefully things will be back to normal soon.

take a walk on the wild side

One of my favorite accessories of all time is sunglasses; living in a place where the sun is beating down on you 9 months out of the year, you just can't have too many pairs.  I'm always looking out for new styles to play around with, and the new printed trend does not disappoint.  They're all so fun, and would look perfect with a plain white tank and some cut offs in the Summer - so effortless, but you'll definitely make a statement.

1. Marni Python Printed Sunglasses (Available at Saks Fifth Avenue) 

2. Juicy Couture Glimmer Sunglasses

3. Asos Polka Dot Cat Eye Sunglasses

4. Dolce & Gabbana Floral Print Sunglasses

5. Suno x Warby Parker Printed Aviators (available August)

6.  Ray-Ban Original Wayfarer in Twirl Azure

xx

A