how to rodarte

from russia, with love

This past August I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Europe and spend 3 days in St. Petersburg, Russia.  J.Crew's latest catalog greeted me upon return, reminding me of the beautiful spots I saw along the way; and now Elle has done the same.  

coat of arms

My cousin approached me this weekend to help her find outerwear in preparation for the upcoming winter season.  She recently made the move from Atlanta, GA to Madison, WI.  As someone who has rarely had to deal with the harshness of mid-western winters, she needs my help in order to survive the blistery weather.  

A few of my favorite stores, ZARA & GAP offer suggestions for girls on a budget.  Here are my favorite picks that will sure to help her [& you] stay warm once those temps start to drop.  Don't be afraid to add some color, I'm loving the Red Toggle jacket from GAP. Don't forget to add some accessories; outerwear is not complete without scarves, hats, & gloves.

Gap

ZARA

musings on a sunday evening

After watching my college team kick butt (go hawks!), and spending time with great friends around a bon-fire this weekend; I can officially say fall has arrived, and I am not complaining.  I am wrapping up the weekend with a quick mani c/o of Zoya - Codie & catching up on my magazines that have piled up over the last few weeks. Don't you just love that lovely glitter bauble -- a vintage beauty I found in a shoe box from my grandmother's house.

My Style: The Paper Doll Project

A few months ago I participated in the Paper Doll Project and this is what I wore.  As someone who rarely takes an outfit post, I figured it was about that time again to give it a shot.  This time I got paired up with Amy of BiblioMOMia.  To be apart of the project you have to pick one piece for the other blogger to style.  I went with a versatile green military vest.  As lover of the vest herself, Amy knew exactly how she wanted to style the piece - cute and feminine.  Pleated skirt, ankle booties, grey top, and lots of arm candy (including my own wrap bracelet).

I was meeting up with a few girlfriends, Brittney & Kiley, later in the evening so I put a twist on the outfit to accommodate the cooler temperatures.  Before I walked out the door, I ended up switching out grey top for a white button up blouse and skirt for boyfriend jeans. Make sure you head over to Amy's blog to see how I styled her outfit!

i heart alexa chung

Harper's Bazaar UK

miu miu fall 2011

Hailee Steinfeld's campaign for Miu Miu Autumn/Winter 2011

Shot by Bruce Weber

of wool & leather

“Autumn has a bracing effect on the psyche, somehow. The first cool day clears the mind like a slap. The scent of burning leaves, the apple-crisp weather, the primal associations of wool and leather… It might be a cliche, but these things absolutely shift your mood. While summer numbs you into a happy daze, October brings a certain emotional intesity to the 

surface.” Vogue Point of View, October 2011

image via tumblr

hairspiration

To be honest, I have been quite lazy when it comes to my hair.  I rarely get up early enough to straighten it, which is at least a 30 minute process, so I'm left to deal with it in all it's curly glory.  I am always willing to try new things to make my relationship I have with my hair a bit easier, and thanks to this lovely how-to from Cup of Jo, I may have found the perfect solution.  A perfect twist on a top knot.

Shop Sosie

I just fell in love, all over again, just don't tell my boyfriend. Sosie is a trendy online boutique that doesn't break the bank.   How affordable, you ask? Let’s put it this way: I dare you to find anything over $100. Adorable dresses begging to be paired with tights and booties average around $40; all tops ring in anywhere from $16 to $86, and fall-perfect shorts, skirts, and printed pants top out at just $65. I mean, helllllooo, this necklace, these sandals, that scarf. Sold.

So save your rent money for…well…rent, because for a limited time, you can get even more ShopSosie swag for your money. Right now, when you spend $45, you’ll get $75 to shop your bargain-loving heart out! We’re officially giddy.

You have 5 days to head over here to purchase this *sweet* deal & get $75 worth of swag for just $45—online only!

gap 2012 spring ready-to-wear collection

If you know me, you know I love Gap.  The only jeans that seem to fit my body to a T are from their denim collection (always skinny - dark wash). I find the best steals & deals within the walls of their store and Gap's pieces are the most versitle when dressing for the office.  Their spring 2012 Ready-To-Wear Collection; however, is just begging me to take a 3-month long vacation to test out the pop-colored denim & slouchy knits.  

So tell me, are you a fan?

via

splurge or steal: leopard print loafers

Leopard/Cheetah print & loafers are here to stay and I am not complaining. I was hesitant on the loafer trend, but once paired with a classic print, I can't help but covet every pair I see. I am absolutely in love with the pair from Dolce Vita; but my wallet has me leaning towards the Kelsi Dagger flats, affordable and stylish - the perfect combination.  

Dolce Vita leopard print shoes, $165
J Crew leopard print loafer, $298
Kelsi Dagger flat shoes, $89
Leather shoes, $66

table dancing & champagne toasting

Katie of Husband, Wife and Modern Life was kind enough to let us take a peek into her glamorous life in St. Paul, MN.  Living life with a bit of flair, laughter, and all that is girlie goodness, Katie shows us how to throw one amazing, Glitter Guide-approved, birthday bash!

I'm pretty sure the last true birthday party I had was when I turned 13 years old. I spent months running around town for every smiley face cup, balloon and party favor I could get my hands on because yes, my 13th birthday party theme was "smiley faces". I just loved a good theme! Thirteen years later was no different. Although for my 26th birthday I chose a more grown-up focus (champagne!) I made sure there were nods to the birthday parties I remember from my childhood - balloons, sweet treats and plenty of pink.

I started the planning process by cataloging my ideas and inspiration on Pinterest. My "Birthday Party Inspiration" board filled quickly and centered around this print shared by a good friend (my girlfriends know I'm smitten with bubbly libations).  Armed with my pinboard of plans, I set out to find some pretty but not-too-pricey ways to pull together a bubbly birthday bash. 

I Baked: Simple Rice Krispie treats turned into "Rice Krispcicles" with just cookie sticks and chocolate. I Thrifted: A gold mirror for $2.99 served as a serving tray for sweet champagne saucers and I DIYed: Custom champagne labels with a printer and some Mod Podge.

Although a splurge, a ceiling full of ivory, pink and gold balloons was the perfect whimsical greeting when guests entered our house. The table in our living room held the goods (fresh flowers, salt water taffy, pink bags of olive oil popcorn) and our back yard glowed with strings of lights and paper lanterns.

I was lucky to have a camera-savvy friend agree to play photographer for the night, which was probably the best decision I made! I'm happy to have great shots of the party details, and most importantly, all of the fun I had with dear friends.

-  Katie

..snapshots..

all photos c/o katie

PS. You can find Katie's magnificent fascinator over at ban.do!

nyfw - street style

street style caught on film

c/o streetfsn