Just Rompin’ Around

Me "Rompin" Around in MilanRompers have become one of my new summertime favorites. It’s an easy option during the hot and humid days of summer that doesn’t require much fuss or make you feel suffocated within all that heat and excess material that other outfits can sometimes add. Since Italy has been slowly delving into its warmer months, it’s time for me to start getting out more sunscreen as well as some lighter clothing options, and I went right for my new Tucker romper. The salmon silk material is splattered with blue polka dots, and is the perfect fun, summer alternative to a regular shorts and top outfit or another sundress (I’ve been wearing quite a lot of them lately, so it was nice to switch it up!). These fun playsuits lend themselves to be an easy and breezy option that is both comfortable and relaxing while still being highly fashionable. For my day in the fashion capital of Italy – Milan! – I paired my romper with a blue bandeau, silver sandals, silver hoops, my leather wrap bracelet, a light cardigan and relaxed hair.

A Laid-Laid Back Romper OutfitAnother plus about this fun-loving option is that they are versatile pieces that can either be dressed up or down – but I think the dressed-down, beach-feel is the best way to go. I would pair this relaxed cotton romper from Splendid with a simple, light-weight scarf, neutral gladiator sandals, and a fedora hat to finish off the laid-back-beauty look. Put on simple jewelry, like a leather wrap bracelet, and grab your sunnies for a perfect outfit to romp around in!

First Night Out in Siena

Once again, I apologize for not posting for a while. But if you have been following me and my Italian adventures, than you’ll know how busy the past week has been and the little amount of down time I’ve had. This is the first semi-relaxing day I’ve had all week, and I’ve finally had the time to catch up on some things. So I thought I would share with you one ofMy Birthday Dinner Outfit my favorite outfits from my first week of Italy. On Wednesday, I celebrated my friend’s 20th birthday with a nice evening out to a lovely dinner followed by a healthy dose of gelato (I’m convinced no meal in Italy is complete without it!). For my evening out on the town, I decided to wear my white Shoshanna pleated, full-skirt dress with my new canvas espadrilles from J.Crew (another comfortable shoe option from the brand). I kept my jewelry simple by sticking with big gold earrings and a small gathering of mixed bracelets. I curled my hair for this celebratory event, even though it didn’t stay too well unfortunately. I kept my make-up simple with just a thin line of my Technakohl Liner from MAC in Earthline (a muted grey brown color with frost) and a muted taupe blush. Now my lips are where I decided to add my color! I’ve been ready and waiting to swipe on my new MAC lipstick – Girl About Town. A bright blue fuchsia that adds a lot of punch to any outfit! It was the perfect compliment to my white dress, and the best celebratory color!

Welcome to Hollywood

As the warm weather continues to roll on in, women are a flurry with turning over their closets from their winter to spring wardrobes. This doesn’t stop at the clothing though – it continues all the way to the shoes, bags and perfumes. Different fragrances are appropriate for different seasons, you wouldn’t want to be wearing a deep, scent with earthy-undertones in the spring, would you? I think with the spring season, many would rather opt for a lighter, fresh fragrance that only enhances your new springtime glow.

Michael Kors Very Hollywood

My favorite fragrance for the spring and summer months is no other than Michael Kors Very Hollywood perfume. Although not a new scent to the market, it has been in my repertoire for a couple of years now and I can never seem to find another fragrance that I would rather wear during the warm, sun-filled months. With notes of sparkling mandarin, gardenia and vetiver, it is impossible to not take a glamorous escape back to the old hollywood era while wearing this perfume. This fragrance embodies a decadent yet captivating essence that will leave others simply starstruck. Spritz Warning – side effects may include taking on an “old-glamour hollywood” persona while wearing this fragrance!

Check Out those Sunnies

As a well versed traveller and a not-so-light packer, I’ve come to recognize some of the key pieces that a girl can never travel without. For me, one of those items are pairs (emphasis on the plural… see the “s” there) of sunglasses. Even for a week home on break from college, I have never been able to pack less than three pairs of sunglasses – each uniquely different in style, color and size that accompany multiple outfits and moods. These are the three basic pairs that I think every woman should be equipped with, and the ones that I never take a trip without.

Ray Ban AviatorsFirst, are the classic aviators. For these, I would go with the original Ray-Ban Aviators. The aviator sunglasses were originally created in 1936 by Ray-Ban for pilots to protect their eyes while flying. So use what the experts use – they have a simple frame with a lense about two to three times the size of the eye. These frames add a laid-back coolness to any look and are always in style. Throw them on when going to the beach, gym or with your favorite edgey get-up.

The next pair of sunglasses that I think every woman should be equipped with is a fun, Vogue Eyewear Sunglassescolorful pair that is versatile with many outfits. For Christmas, I received a pair of big, round, purple Miu Miu sunnies that accompany multiple outfits in my closet and always add a touch of fun to my look. Sunglasses are a great way to add a pop of color to any ensemble in a chic yet subdued way, making a colorful pair of sunnies a must in any woman’s closet.

D&G SunglassesLastly, I think a versatile big-frame, gold-toned pair of sunglasses will make every woman feel rightfully equipped when journeying out into the sunny days of all seasons. If you’re like me and are a fanatic about matching the metal of your jewelry to all parts of your outfit, belts and shoes included, then you’ll know how important it is to have a pair of sunglasses that match every metal genre. Also, I think it’s great to have a big, over-sized pair of sunnies for when you’re tired and don’t feel like showing the results of long weeks and late nights. This is definitely a basic pair of sunnies in my book that I never go on a trip without. With these three fabulous options, you’ll have all your basis covered. Now the only problem you’ll have is choosing which one of these fabulous sunglass options to wear, hmmm…

Wash Away those Winter Blues

With spring slowly inching its way around the corner, there’s no better time to start thinking
about the new additions you’ll need for your spring wardrobe. One trend that is big for the upcoming warmer months is cool colors – every designer is experimenting with different hues and the best way to incorporate them into each fashionista’s closet. One of those colors is blue – azure, sapphire, cobalt, indigo – whichever shade you want to call it! It’s making a big comeback onto the fashion scene and into everyone’s spring closets. From dresses to bags, shoes to earrings, there are a variety of items that this cool color comes in, and is an easy runway trend to incorporate into your closet.

These are some of the pieces that I think really accentuate not only the hue but different aspects of your wardrobe, and will definitely add an unexpected pop that is sure to be a chic standout. And as I said before in my previous orange story, if you’re too timid to rock so much of the daring hue, try adding it in small doses. Like the Jimmy Choo Candy acrylic clutch for example. The best way to make the clutch stand out is to set it against a neutral background – try pairing it with a simple maxi dress and cropped jacket. If you feel more daring, try going for the J Brand skinny twill pants. I think the best way to show off these bright blue bloomers is with a neutral top, flat sandals, and a fun pair of earrings that further accentuate the color.

One of my most recent purchases is this silk blouse from J.Crew. I bought the blouse in royal blue, and completely fell in love with the color at first sight! Recently, I’ve been sporting my new purchase with my Vince skinny khaki pants, my suede chocolate driving mocs with blue piping by Tod’s, and my Henri Bendel Harry knot necklace. This cerulean blue will add an extra springy punch to any get-up.

So, they say it’s your Birthday…

Birthday Princesses!Well Happy Birthday to me! Well, almost… I still have a couple more hours to go before I turn the big 2-0. I’m hoping I’ll be able to turn over a new leaf for this decade that awaits me and make the best of all the adventures that I have to look forward too! But as tradition has it, I usually get a week of celebration, so why not start a little bit earlier than usual? Unfortunately, I’ll be busy this weekend with school activities, but will still be able to have a nice time with good friends, have dinner with my family, and have time to sing a little birthday song. For my birthday outing, I decided to wear a black tunic with black stockings and my brown boots for a fun dinner with my girlfriends. I accessorized my look with big gold hoops, and one of my favorite Henri Bendel black and gold cocktail rings. Oh, and of course the pink feathered laced birthday crown that my friend got for me (we decided to celebrate together)!

So, in the spirit of birthdays, I thought I would create a fun, birthday outfit that anyone can rock no matter where you’re going. If it’s out to the club or dinner with friends, you can stand out in this outfit and add your own personal touches to make it your very own! There’s nothing better than being the center of attention, and your birthday is the only day that you can do it without being totally conceited – so pull out all the stops! My suggestion, break out of the usual LBD routine and choose a mini-dress in either your favorite jewel-tone color or metallic hue. These two options are sure to be show stoppers! Pile on your favorite accessories – dangling earrings, cocktail ring and your most stellar heels to complete the perfect birthday bash ensemble. And you always need a little bit of sparkle, whether it be from some classy jewels, or from a plastic crown, to add that exuberant celebratory flair!

Orange you glad I said ba-nan-as?

You’ll have to forgive me for the Rachel Zoe-ism, but I thought it was somewhat appropriate. It may have something to do with my red-auburn hair, but I’m always drawn to the color orange. You can always count on me to point out the orange shoes, dress, blouse… anything I can wear really. I think it’s a great color to incorporate into any closet, especially during the spring and summer months ahead. By choosing the right piece to accentuate this awesome hue, it can really add the right pop of color to your look and give it a new modern feel. The Vionnet pants for instance would look great with a neutral color blouse and some stellar heels. If you don’t feel you’re ready to rock so much of the bold shade, try going for the Jimmy Choo wedges or even the Miu Miu hand bag to add a splash of color to your ensemble. Adding color is a great way to pump up any look!

For myself, I recently purchased this Halston Heritage dress that I’m dying to wear. The flowing pleats have a slit down the front and back, that creates a very flattering silhouette for the body. When I wear it, I’m thinking of pairing it with gold dangling earrings, my standout cocktail ring, and my favorite wedges… they’re the only heels I can walk in!

The Boots That Started It All

These are the boots that started it all… the magnificently hand crafted Duncan over-the-knee boots. I must say, they are one of the most comfortable boots that I have ever worn. After wearing them for a couple of days, my foot slips in as if it was a hand sliding into a familiar glove. The suede that is as smooth and soft as butter is accentuated by the lovely and intricate leather stitching detail that runs throughout the edges of the boot. As if the stitching wasn’t enough, the zipper pull in the back of the boot is actually a suede tassel, that sways back and forth every time I strut these amazing boots! I love to pair them with my favorite skinny pants, flowy shirt and my fur vest. They even look great when I wear them with leggings and an oversized sweater… there is no outfit that wouldn’t benefit from these boots!The Jimmy Choo Boots