pull some strings

now that it's (finally) thanksgiving break, i'm not quite sure what to do with myself. what is this concept of free time? part of me thinks i'll revert back to workhorse mode and write a dozen album reviews i've been meaning to get to for wiux (including the new black keys, a very she & him christmas, etc) but first on my list is to pick up a boatload of colorful threads and make friendship bracelets until my fingers bleed. just kidding, i'm not that hardcore.  okay... maybe i am.  desperate times, people.

my favorite bracelets are diagonal stripe & chevron styles, aka the moderately easy ones, and weaving in a chain or some rhinestones never hurts... peep the inspo photos below:

{images via jak & jill and honestly...wtf}

II emily

severe weather conditions

as the temperatures continue to drop, our dead-of-winter staples become more and more necessary. shapeless puffer coats, hair-flattening hats, chapped skin, thick sweaters, heavy boots -- the list goes on. it's hard to feel stylish when you're barely able to move your arms, so this winter i'm looking for chic, feminine alternatives to the bare necessities, starting with these sperry shearwater boots.

great winter shoes are possibly the trickiest area to conquer -- sure, uggs are cozy, but they aren't exactly "fashion-forward." not to mention that when there's more than 1 inch of snow on the ground, they become a soggy, squishy mess. girls everywhere try to deny this harsh reality, which is kind of justifiable considering the lack of stylish winter footwear options out there... but this season, there's no excuse. the sperry shearwater is both practical and stylish! a grippy, waterproof rubber sole means no slipping or sliding on the ice, and fashiony details like bold colors, shearling lining, plaid patterns and quilted shafts give these a bit of an edge. they'll add a chic spin to even your most utilitarian of winter ensembles.

{clockwise from top left: sperry for j.crew shearwater in 'chocolate flame' / sperry for j.crew shearwater in 'shadow' / sperry shearwater in 'red plaid' / sperry shearwater in black} 

II emily

boy meets girl

{photo via honestly...wtf}

peter pan collars are simultaneously girlish (in the most girlish way possible - like little girl wearing pink mary-janes-ish) and a bit boyish. (...ish.) this is usually achieved by wearing a prim button-up peter pan-collared shirt and buttoning said shirt all the way up to said peter pan collar, but i prefer the versatility of a peter pan collar necklace.  layer it over a simple crewneck tee or sweater, then up the tomboy factor with a few androgynous pieces -- i.e. a men's watch, distressed denim, a fedora or geek chic glasses -- and you're on your way to never never land.  

{ clockwise from top left: dannijo 'sinatra' / dannijo 'stella' / louis vuitton / gemma lister / polli / gemma lister}

II emily

the bargain of the century

holy cow.

have you ever seen a more fabulous shoe for under $50?

and am i the only one seeing the influence of a certain red-soled celebrity designer? hint hint. you know i love a good look-alike. 

score these at charlotte russe before everyone else catches on. (ps - they're equally showstopping in black)

II emily

basically chic

liz wearing all of our favorite basics right now: cream cable knit (this one's a cropped forever21 version), super-dark skinnies jeans (these are black BDG), and my latest obsession... isabel marant 'dicker' imitation booties (these are carlos by carlos santana).  sometimes when you're strapped for time or can't seem to find anything to wear, combining your tried-and-true basics is an chic, effortless option.

II emily

intarsia sweaters

the epitome of tongue-in-chic.

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

II emily

zara coats

are they killing it or are they killing it?

i kind of have an obsession with coats. it's painful. and i can't justify filling my entire wardrobe with outerwear, no matter how fabulous that would be! 
 in the meantime, i'm dreaming about these in particular...

1 / 2 / 3 /4

II emily