cheap thrills

my list of summer bargains is already a mile long. here's what i'm currently coveting... this irresistible valentino-esque party dress ($285), these pearly midi-rings from rue gembon ($65), the perfect minty green summer clutch ($60), this i-can't-believe-people-are-wearing-these-again denim mini skirt ($78), these go-with-everything mixed-metallic sandals ($198, also available in black/silver here), the bright floral summer dress of my dreams ($30), an ultra-chic answer to white birkenstocks ($60), this black boho-chic studded clutch ($123), and this pair of perfectly glinty, barely-there ear cuffs ($60).

II emily

tuesday blues

anyone who knows me can attest to my denim obsession. i'm always on the hunt for another pair despite the fact that my overstuffed "jeans drawer" recently broke...oops. it did force me to go through my collection and toss out what i don't need (including some pairs that were at least six years old) and in the process, i realized just how over-saturated the denim market is. you almost have to be as obsessive as me to know what really works, what to avoid, and what to spend. however, one brand is here to change that: industry standard, which launched today. designed in new york and made in L.A., industry standard takes the anxiety out of the process. its founder, nicole najafi, works directly with a factory so that a) she could ensure an absolutely perfect fit and b) she cuts outs the middle man, so prices range between $95-105. compared to a lot of brands of equal luxury, that's a steal. 

while i haven't seen the jeans in person, the industry standard instagram has given us a glimpse of just how flattering they are. they are the ultimate basic, free of labels, crazy stitching, or unnatural finishes. they are exactly what jeans are supposed to be: chic, supremely wearable and understated. i've been searching for a good high-waisted style, and i think i found them in the margot high rise.

white wash

image via pinterest

surprise, surprise - spring has sprung (woo!) and all i want to wear is white. this happens to me every year for a few reasons: first of all, white is flattering! it makes you look tanner, thinner, and fresher. it wakes up your face! and it's effortlessly chic; much like i live in black during the fall and winter, i live in white during the summer (especially once august hits and i want to burn all the glaring bright colors in my closet). third, i consider a white blouse one of my all-time staples (this outfit is basically my dream uniform) - when i don't know what to wear, i reach for a white blouse.  done. i have about a dozen in my wardrobe, but i recently picked up this silky tank from joe fresh with the cutest ruffled sleeves and am considering stocking up on a few more. (also, completely random find: this sheer-sleeved blouse from american eagle is adorable!) 

i'm also pining for more white jewelry in my life - i have a pair of chunky white-and-crystal chandelier earrings that i probably wear too frequently, and a few white-stone (or pearl) bracelets would look great with a tan. and, finally: white sunnies are back. my tip? choose a glam, oversized shape - wayfarers or mirrored lenses just look cheesy. i'm really into these, which i already own in tortoise, and the quality is amazing.

{gemma redux chain bracelet, j.crew stretch bracelet, j.crew pearl cuff, joe fresh tank, madewell sunnies}

spring breaker

i may not get a spring break anymore, but i'm lucky enough to have a sunny vacation booked for later this week. after an epic, endless east coast winter (and just as epic fashion month!), i'm seriously craving some vitamin D. but i have to admit -- i feel feel totally unprepared! i can hardly remember what it's like to be on the beach and will probably pack all the wrong things. fortunately there are a few items i've relied on for so long that i could never forget them.

for starters, my beauty regimen changes pretty drastically in the summer. i wear less makeup since i usually have a bit of a tan, and just use bare minerals original mineral veil for a fresh, matte finish. i still moisturize obsessively in the summer and have tried just about every face oil out there, but tarte's pure maracuja oil is the only one that seems light enough for a hot, humid day. 

in that same vein, i just learned that bobbi brown makes a body oil version of her classic beach fragrance... is this a new development, or am i really behind? i don't wear beach anymore, but my friends and i always packed it for vacation in high school and loved it. ahh, nostalgia. body oil is the perfect thing to slather on after a day at the beach (post-shower, of course); my skin gets dry from the sand and water, and the oil leaves a slight sheen as well.

i do love a slight tan, but i always wear sunscreen too. i'm especially diligent about my face, and borderline-OCD about my lips! mario badescu's eye and lip sunscreen is amazing; it's slightly thick so you can really feel it soaking in. (bonus: it doesn't taste horrible like other sunscreens you try to put on your mouth!) 

i don't own these loeffler randall sandals yet, but once the weather warms up a bit i'll be adding them to my cart immediately. metallic gold sandals are literally the only shoe i wear during the summer because they go with everything and compliment tan legs! (i've worn j.crew's flat thongs religiously for years)

and last but not least: simply put, j.crew makes the best swimsuits, and at good prices too. i've built up a collection over the years, and not only are they flattering, but they never pill, stretch, or wear thin... all of mine still feel brand new. (this french top is pictured above)

II emily

stock market

images via pinterest

i've had a pair of taupe birkenstocks for at least 7 years now - i actually can't remember when or why i bought them. potentially for a high school trip to greece? but  since i never ended up wearing them (sorry mom), they are essentially still in mint condition. i pulled them out last summer just as the ugly-shoe trend began in earnest (and after i saw mary-kate olsen wearing some with jeans), but after spotting these photos above, it's clear my suede slides won't be making the cut this season. i love the stark black and white leather versions with a super simple outfit, like a cotton dress or blazer - and a nice tan wouldn't hurt either. now i just need to decide which ones to buy. they even come in patent leather! and the comfort factor cannot be beat.

pre-spring acquisitions

 

with fashion month winding down, all anyone can talk about is what they're going to buy for the coming season. my favorite luxury websites are starting to stock my favorite SS14 pieces, like these chloe sandals, this phillip lim sweatshirt, and this givenchy tote, among countless other temptations. talk about a wish list! while i generally stick to more affordable options,  i'm treating myself to some splurges that will not only revive my spring wardrobe, but will look chic throughout the entire year (and many, many years to come).

first on the list was this black-and-gold fall '14 mansur gavriel tote, above, which i pre-ordered on moda operandi (sadly the trunkshow is now over). i love mansur gavriel's simple, sleek bags, but it seems like everyone is buying one -- and i mean literally everyone. i wanted something different from the variations i see every day, and the metallic gold interior on this one is a super cool update.

next... ringing in at $65, these le specs sunnies weren't exactly a splurge, but i felt they needed to be included! mirrored sunnies have been a huge for some time now, but i think they look will especially chic with this season's clean, minimal shapes -- especially in neutral tones (or even better, all white).

i've admired erica weiner's jewelry for a while now, and was especially drawn to the tiny, precious gypsy spark yellow gold and diamond earrings. they are handmade in new york and were inspired by an antique in the V&A museum in london. not only are they beyond lovely, but they're also versatile enough for every day. i finally pulled the trigger and can't wait to see them in a few weeks.

and last, but certainly not least... the m2malletier "fleur du mal" bag. i've been crushing hard on this brand for over a year -- i first spotted one of their bags in a street style photo and immediately tracked them down. a couple of weeks ago i was lucky enough to meet the two designers, marcela and melissa, and naturally they are just as cool as their timeless designs. my black bag is being handmade in barcelona and is due to ship later this month; suffice it to say the anticipation is killing me!

what are you splurging on this season?

II 

emily

coat check

when you work in fashion, you tend to get excited about something new every day. givenchy's floral prints, m2malletier bags, blinged-out tibi mules, the perfect sporty-chic sneakers... the list goes on (and on and on). so when you suddenly realize your very up-to-date wardrobe is actually devoid of a classic, seasonless piece, you feel like a total fool. 

i kicked myself when i saw everyone wearing chic, simple, and rich-feeling camel coats in between shows at fashion week. how, how, how do i not own a camel coat?  

so now i'm on the hunt -- even though winter is almost over. it may not be the best time to buy a new coat, but there's really no reason to talk myself out of it. these coats will undoubtedly look just as chic next season. and the season after that. and after that.

a few of my favorites include this cool zipper coat from asos, this incredible bejeweled j.crew stunner (worth the investment!), this toggle duffel coat (on sale!), this fur-collar coat, this super simple style, and this classic double-breasted peacoat. some sartorial inspiration below...

images via style.com, collage vintage, and caroline's mode

chloé pre-fall 2014

images via style.com

the chloé pre-fall look above is exactly what i want to wear once the temperatures warm up. this long-sleeved, flouncy leopard-print day dress could be my perfect throw-on-and-go uniform, not to mention the covetable bag. i've been a huge fan of chloe handbags for years, but have yet to splurge on one, and the saddle shape, pop of python and pale blue leather on this one make it extra tempting. (ps - i found this budget friendly alternative to the dress as well as this floral-print variation, and will likely be adding both to my closet within a day or so.)

i think if i could buy the entire chloé pre-collection i would be content for life. i love how clare waight keller mixed super-feminine ruffles and chiffon with oversized coats, sharp blazers and clunky ankle-tie heels -- it's precisely how i want to look. and those blanket-y wraps have already become a street style staple, as evidenced by plenty of couture-goers this week.