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?