Lookbook: Transitioning to Fall from Summer with a White Blazer

Blazer: Zara (similar); top: Zara; jeans: rag & bone; sandals: Cynthia Rowley (similar); bag: Chanel; ring: Jewelmint; and bracelets: t&j designs and giles & brother.

Who says you can’t wear white after Labor Day? That old-fashioned rule doesn’t make any sense when the heat is still in full force in September. White keeps you cooler than other colors. I still plan to wear white as long as the weather dictates it—and my fashion choices necessitate it. This white blazer, for example, is the perfect piece to balance the playfulness of the spotted top and the pink jeans. It’s also one of those transitional pieces that will take you from summer into fall.

Weekly Reading Roundup: Labor Day Sales and More

Here are some of the pieces I'm coveting from all the Labor Day sales: the Ramona Italian Leather Dress from Club Monaco, the Colorblock Soft Blazer from Banana Republic, Enzo Angiolini's Samendra Cheetah Spot Calf Hair Platform Pump from Nordstrom and the Pierre Hardy Colorblock Leather Wedge Sandals from The Outnet.

Labor Day weekend is one of those bittersweet times of the year. I love having a long three-day weekend, but it also signals the unofficial end of summer. No more barbecues, pool parties and city festivals. The days will soon get cooler and shorter. But to ease that transition into fall, here are a slew of Labor Day sales as well as some interesting reading that will distract you.

Lookbook: Stripes on Stripes

Blouse: BCBG Max Azria; shorts: GAP; wedge sandals: Vince Camuto; purse: Rebecca Minkoff Mini M.A.C.; bracelets: Target, Nordstrom and vintage from Portobello Road Market in London; and rings: Designs ‘N Gold and H&M 

I can’t seem to say no to a good stripe. Stripes are such a classic addition to any wardrobe and easily add interest to any outfit. When I saw this blouse, I knew it would be going home with me. Its multidirectional stripes adds a graphic jolt to a simple silhouette. And the striped shorts can be worn with a plethora of tops since it should be treated as a neutral. But when pairing these two striped pieces together, you bring a modern, chic take to an otherwise classic and traditional print. Putting together stripes with stripes is an easy way to modernize your look. What are your favorite ways to wear stripes?

Weekly Reading Roundup

Target's next collaboration is with Joseph Altuzarra. Photos courtesy of Target.

This week has been really slow for me, especially because I haven’t been feeling well this week. So I decided to take a few days off since I haven’t taken a vacation yet this year. Probably time to plan a vacation. As I was doing some vacation research, here are some interesting links I came across this week, including a tidbit about Target’s latest designer collaboration. Get in line at your local Target now.

Beauty Review: Is GlamGlow Worth the Price?

GlamGlow offers a variety of mud treatment masks, including the GlamGlowSuperMud Clearing Treatment and the GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment.

After hearing all the hype and rave reviews, I finally broke down and purchased two of the mud treatment masks in the GlamGlow line a few months ago. The GlamGlow YouthMud Tinglexfoliate Treatment and the GlamGlow SuperMudClearing Treatment aren’t cheap, but they do cleanse and enhance the skin like no other masks I’ve used before.

Weekly Reading Roundup

The much-anticipated Roland Mouret for Banana Republic collection launched this week. 

I apologize for the lack of blog posts this week. The week got a little busier than I thought it would, but I will have some lookbooks, beauty reviews and fashion reviews in the upcoming weeks. In the meantime, I came across some interesting fashion, health and career articles for your reading pleasure. Enjoy!

Lookbook: Venturing into Animal Prints

Blouse: Rebecca Taylor; Jeans: AG; bag: Chanel; shoes: Sole Society; bracelets: Giles & Brother and t&j designs; ring: H&M (similar); and necklace: t&j designs

I’m usually a neutrals type of girl. Black, gray, white and a ton of denim make up the bulk of my wardrobe. But I’m slowly but surely coming around to animal prints.

Weekly Reading Roundup

Photo courtesy of PB Teen.

Emily Current and Meritt Elliott, the design duo behind Current Elliott, has a collection of new furniture pieces, accessories and bedding for PB Teen (see photo). The Emily & Meritt for PB Teen collection isn’t just for teenagers. These sophisticated pieces  exude vintage Americana charm with a rock-and-roll edge that will work for adults as well. I have my eye on the Maison Bookcase.

Maisie Williams, the actress who plays Arya Stark on Game of Thrones, one of my favorite TV shows, had some fun with her fashion when she arrived at Comic-Con in an elaborate dress made out of recycled paper from a graphic novel. 

Master the basics of color theory so you always pick the right color combinations in what you wear, how you prepare your work presentations or decorate your home. 

Blake Lively’s new lifestyle website, Preserve, launched to mixed reviews.

Seven beauty practices that sabotage your skin.

I’m saving up for a pair of Christian Louboutin heels. But I’m not sure if I’m willing to pay $50 a bottle for his new nail polish.

What are some interesting articles you have come across this week?
 

10 Tips to Keep White Clothes Clean

Photo courtesy of In Style.

Nothing says summer like a crisp white outfit. But keeping those white items bright and impeccably white can be challenging. Here are a few tips for cleaning and maintaining your white clothes.

Lookbook: Striped Dress and Gold Sandals Elevate Casual to Polished

Dress: Banana Republic; cardigan: Banana Republic (sold out, but similar here); sandals: J. Crew; purse: Coach; bracelet and tassel necklace: vintage from Portobello Market in London; and ring: Belle Noel (old, but similar one here)

When it gets hot and humid, I tend to get a little lazy and revert to ripped denim cutoffs, a slouchy T-shirt and flip flops. This time I wanted to be a bit more polished as I headed out to a barbecue. I opted for a striped halter sheath dress in a flowy, breathable fabric and gold sandals that was every bit as comfortable as shorts and a T-shirt. I added in a crossbody bag, a white cardigan (just in case the party moves indoors or the weather suddenly shifts) and a few fun gold pieces to create a casual and simple yet polished look for the weekend. 

How do you elevate your weekend looks in the summer when heat is a factor?

My Picks from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2014

My favorite sale of the year has arrived once again—the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Where else can you score upcoming fall fashion, accessories and beauty products for 30 percent to 40 percent off? Nordstrom credit card holders can gain early access to the sale from July 10-17. If you don’t have a Nordstrom’s card, you can shop the sale beginning July 18. Don’t wait if you see something you like—most items sell out rather quickly, like the Burberry Trench coat I wanted. Here are some of my favorite picks from the sale.

Current/Elliott “The Stilletto” Skinny Jeans  These medium wash skinny jeans with a 29-inch inseam is perfect for petite girls like myself.

Alice + Olivia Stripe Drape Front Wraparound Sweater This sophisticated yet cozy sweater can be worn open like a long waterfall cardigan or wrapped like a pullover.

See by Chloé Studded Leather Ballet Flat I tried these on at the store and they were so comfortable – like walking on air.

Rebecca Minkoff Leather Pouch A simple yet function piece that can serve as a clutch or makeup bag.

Laura Mercier Flawless Expressions Set  A neutral palette of eye shadows and blushes that comes with an eye shadow stick in Rose Gold, a full-size lip gloss in Gilded Rose and a full-size mascara. A set you can easily carry in your makeup bag or for travel.

Jo Malone Cologne Collection  This set features five fragrances—a great way to introduce those who are new to Jo Malone.

Longchamp Le Pliage Expandable Tote  The classic tote gets an upgrade that makes it expandable—perfect for travel.

Mackage Malka Double Breasted Trench Coat  Mackage always makes classic coats with modern details like this one with a tulip hem.

Diane von Furstenberg Zarita Lace Sheath Dress I’m always looking for a cocktail dress with sleeves that doesn’t look frumpy. This fits the bill.

Joie Roxie Ankle Strap Sandal  Elegant, simple and timeless sandals that you can wear with ripped jeans or a cocktail dress.

Nadri Pavé Hinged Open Bracelet  A simple, delicate bracelet that makes a statement.

rag & bone Devon Suede Bootie The stacked heel makes this suede bootie comfortable and chic.

Frye Phillip Riding Boot  The weathered, burnished look of these boots make them essential for weekend wear.

Cole Haan Arlington Leather Boot  A polished flat boot versatile that you can walk miles in without sacrificing style.

3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Colorblock Leather Satchel  The colorblocking adds a modern edge to this refined bag.  A big plus: It comes with a detachable shoulder strap.

Rebecca Minkoff Quilted Mini Affair with Studs Crossbody Purse  An affordable edgy alternative to the classic Chanel flap bag.

Melinda Maria Carrie Pod Station Bangles A new set of bracelets with subtle sparkle to add to the arm party.

What are you eyeing at the Nordstrom Anniversary sale?