Yes, please.

All of my favorite stores are coming out with their fall lines...While my credit card taking a time out, it might come out of hibernation for this lovely blouse from Banana Republic.

Deck Style

Posted by: Shar

I picked up this cute little bistro set at Costco for under $100! I had been looking everywhere for a patio set that was good quality, and that didn't have a huge table with 10 chairs and an umbrella to go along with it. This was the perfect size for what it will be used for. Late morning breakfasts and summer salad dinners! I love how practical it is, except for the fact it took me a whole afternoon and a stubbed finger to put the "easy to assemble" table together. Now, to accessorize...

Weekend Outfit: Sunny in Seattle!!

Posted by: Shar

I woke up feeling energized and ready for a day of sun! After a long first week at a new job, this weekend is well deserved. My boyfriend and I have a full day planned, to include brunch on the deck (pics of the new patio set to come), shopping/walking downtown, and dinner at a fancy steakhouse! I'll be busting out the evening wear tonight, so let's hope that I can get him to wear something besides his signature Nike shorts look.

Top: Banana Republic
Jeans: H&M (I know, I wear them a lot...I need another pair!)
Shoes: Cynthia Vincent gladiator sandals!

The Perfect Pencil

Posted by: Molly

I have found the perfect pencil skirt. My mom came into town on Thursday so we spent the afternoon shopping (of course). One of the first stores we went into was J Crew and I just about died when I walked in. I cannot remember a time when I walked into a store and absolutely loved everything--well, that happened when I walked in J Crew. The colors, the fabrics, the styles, and the fits are PERFECT. There is just no other word to describe their inventory right now--it's pure perfection. I ended up walking out with way too much (and obviously spent too much $$ to boot but I am justifying it because everything I got is for work). My two favorite purchases are the absolutely amazing pencil skirts I got. I tried them on and immediately fell head over heels in love. Only problem, they didn't have my size in the store (in either skirt). Thankfully, they were able to find them at another store and are shipping them to me (whew!). The skirt pictured above is very simple but fit like I've never had another skirt fit. It comes in a few colors and is just so perfect for summer! The other skirt I got isn't pictured on the website but it's an olive color and has a little bow on the front at the waist (love it!).

Image from J Crew

New Purchase: White Cardigan

Posted by: Shar

This is the PERFECT cardigan. Most mornings, I look at my closet and see so much potential, but then fall back on the same ol' outfits in my rotation. I have high hopes for this cardigan. Over dresses, embellished tanks, paired with a skirt & pumps...let the mixing & matching begin. Yes. Thank you, Banana Republic, for making this Cotton One-Button Cardigan in six lovely spring colors.

Potential Outfit: New New New!

Posted by: Molly

I had been thinking about putting this outfit together all day and couldn't wait to get home to try it on! These are the Victoria's Secret boyfriend shorts I ordered about a month ago. I got them in the mail last night and wasn't so sure about them when I first saw them but now I love them. They are a little baggy and add a sort of edgy twist to any outfit. I got the shoes I'm wearing in the photo yesterday as well--they are the Jeffrey Campbells from Urban Outfitters and I love them in person even more than I did on the website. I couldn't stop trying on outfits with them last night and they look absolutely perfect with everything. I can't wait to wear this outfit--I'm thinking I'll wear in on May 14th, the day of my last final!

Blazer: Target
Sweater: Forever 21
Shorts: Victoria's Secret
Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell (Urban Outfitters)
Bracelets: Presents of Mind (Portland, OR)
Ring: Forever 21

Work Outfit: Wide Leg Wednesday

Posted by: Molly

I had work today which not only was a nice break from studying, but a nice break from sweat pants and t-shirts as well! I wanted to wear something comfortable today because I woke up with a killer headache and didn't want to deal with a fussy outfit. These pants are probably the most comfortable pair of "work" pants in my closet so I knew they were a must for today!

Cardigan: Target
Shirt: Top Shop
Pants: H&M
Belt: H&M
Necklace: Macy's
Watch: Kenneth Cole
Shoes: Seychelles

Ideal Outfit: First Day of Work

Posted by: Molly

In honor of Shar I have put together my ideal "first day on the job" outfit. I love looking feminine at work but also very polished--I think this outfit accomplishes both of those requirements!

Casual Outfit: Comfort of Finals

Posted by: Molly

Today I took my first final of the semester. As predicted, it was miserable, hard, and felt way too long. I knew I had to wear something super comfortable since I would be sitting for the majority of the day. However, whenever I take finals I always make sure to wear an outfit I'm excited about. There's something about feeling confident in one's appearance that gives a sense of comfort in times of stress. I settled on this outfit because I'm obsessed with this shirt and I have been looking for the perfect opportunity to wear these sandals.

Shirt: J Crew
Shorts: H&M
Sandals: Target
Bracelets: Presents of Mind (Portland, OR)
Earrings: Target

Weekend Outfit: Gettin' Knotty

Posted by: Shar

This olive green slouchy tee by Marc Jacobs is the perfect Sunday look for taking a walk and running errands. A little bit Flashdance, and I love the unexpected knot at the neckline.

Top: Marc Jacobs (bought during Barney's sale last December)

Good Eats: What's Your Mix?

Posted by: Molly

My newest food obsession: Menchies! One just opened right by my apartment and in the last three days I've already been there twice. If you haven't been, let me tell you what it's like--you walk in, grab a cup, fill the cup with one of the many amazing flavors of frozen yogurt (nonfat, low fat, and sugar free options all available), add as many toppings as you would like, and pay! Super easy, super fast, and super delicious. My favorite combination so far is angel food cake topped with strawberries, mangoes, and chocolate chips--delicious! The angel food cake flavor is one of the many sugar free options but it absolutely doesn't taste like it. It has a very subtle sweet flavor that tastes so amazing with the fruit. The price is determined on how much your cup weighs but every time I've been there it's been under $5. Go try it, you'll love it!

Work Outfit: A Cardigan Thursday

Posted by: Shar

When I tried this cardigan on in the dressing room, it was undoubtedly black. When I took it home and started mixing & matching ensembles, it started to look dark brown. It mysteriously doesn't match any shade of black in my closet, which is why I can only wear it with gray pants or skirts. I seriously want a cardigan like this in every color.

Cardigan: H&M
Shirt: Banana Republic Outlet
Pants: Limited
Boots: Siegerson Morrison

Casual Outfit: Sheer Perfection

Posted by: Molly

I'm mostly spending the day at home today getting ready for finals but the boyfriend and I are heading out for a bit to run some errands and grab some lunch so I figured--why not wear something fun?! I love this shirt so much. I bought it while I was in London last summer and wore it to death during the fall. I am obsessed with the detailing on this shirt--it reminds me of a fancy tuxedo shirt but the fabric so sheer and casual. Perfection!

Shirt: Top Shop

Jeans: H&M

Shoes: Jessica Simpson

Casual Outfit: Weeknight Outing

Posted by: Shar

When Wednesday rolls around, I'm already wishing it was Friday so I can have date night with my boyfriend. Usually, I whine and complain until we both decide on takeout or our favorite corner pasta place (will do a Good Eats post on this place soon). I wore this gray linen ruffle shirt with a black suit during the day, then immediately switched into this outfit when I heard we were going out.

Top: Sandro
Jeans: H&M
Boots: BCBG

Work Outfit: Spring Fever

Posted by: Molly

I really wanted to wear something more "springy" today but it was a little too cold to wear this dress without a sweater (especially to the office with its hyperactive ac). This is the first time I've worn this dress and I fell more and more in love with it as the day went on. It's so comfortable and I am totally obsessed with the pattern--perfect for spring and summer!

Dress: Banana Republic
Cardigan: Target
Shoes: Theory
Clutch: Forever 21

All the Colors of Summer

Posted by: Molly

I'm a self proclaimed nail polish addict which means that come May 1st, I'm more than ready to don my favorite sandals and peep toe pumps to best display the fun (and often funky) colors of my freshly painted toenails. Problem? This summer I'll be working in a more corporate environment and I'm a little unsure of how "funky" I can go when it comes to nail color. Is purple appropriate? What about gold or green or orange? I think that just to be safe I'll be wearing a lot of coral on my hands and toes this summer (coral is one color that looks good with every skin tone and it's a fun variation of more traditional pinks and reds). However, on the weekends and on summer vacations (HAWAII) I'll absolutely be covering my fingernails and toenails with summer friendly golds, greens, oranges, and yellows--long live the colors of summer! What color will you be sporting this summer?

All the nail polish colors pictured above are from Essie.com.

Work Outfit: In Bloom

Posted by Shar:

What better way to liven up a Tuesday than with a floral print? I am loving the color this H&M dress adds to my wardrobe cycle. Pants need to be ironed? All of your blouses need to be dry cleaned? Not a problem. Easy dresses will be my new "go-to" to get me through the week!

Dress: H&M
Sweater: Sandro (from a random French store, bought on vacation)
Tights: HUE
Shoes: Linea Paolo

Mother's Day: May 10th

Posted by: Shar

Mother's Day is May 10th, which means it is time to take a break from buying things for yourself and think of the woman who would do anything to give you everything. My mom is pretty easy when it comes to gifts. Usually any purple article of clothing, gold hoop earrings, or emerald piece of jewelry will elicit a positive response. Since my mom's birthday often ends up being within a week of Mother's Day, it is hard for me to pull off back-to-back creativity. Here are my favorite picks for this Mother's Day:

1. Personalized Stationery by PinkLilyPress on Etsy: $16
2. Bouquet of 50(!) Roses from ftd.com: $29.99 (special today)
3. Herb Garden Starter Set from amazon.com: $12
4. Large Travel Cosmetic Bag from Sephora: $21

Remember to factor time and shipping & handing into your planning and budget. If ordering online, put your order in today! What will you get for your mom on Mother's Day?

All Things Frosted and Delicious

Posted by: Molly

Today is the last day of my internship--HURRAH! I was informed this morning that there will be a little goodbye shindig at four and at this get together, there will be cake. In honor of the cake I will soon be eating I thought I would dedicate a post to my most delicious calorie laden friend--CAKE. Here are a few pictures of my favorite types of cake--

Now, who's hungry for some cake?

Website Obsession: Martin + Osa

Posted by: Shar

I came across this website while flipping through the newest People Style Watch. Martin + Osa offers crisp office options that are extremely versatile and not too pricey...free shipping & returns on most items. I'll be snatching up some of their light blouses and work dresses soon.

Wishlist: Strappy Perfection

Posted by: Molly

To buy the shoe or not to buy the shoe? I am head over heels in love with this Jeffrey Campbell shoe. I don't mean normal love...I'm like really really really in love with this shoe--like I would eat Top Ramen for a month to buy this shoe love...I would cancel my cable until I've saved up enough to buy this shoe love...I would sell one of my beloved handbags to earn enough to purchase this shoe love...every time I look at this shoe I sort of can't breath love...this shoe would go with everything in my closet love.

LOVE.

Problem? I have no money and made a pact with myself that I wouldn't spend any more money until starting work full-time (well, when I say no money I of course don't mean no money--I have to buy groceries, pay bills, buy gas, and buy a mother's day present...so really "no money" just means "less money"). Buying these shoes would absolutely go against this resolution. HOWEVER, these shoes are the perfect platform gladiator sandal (see number one on my wish list) and since I have been looking for a sandal just like this for such a long time, isn't it sort of fate that I would find this one? Oh and also--the shoe is sold out in most sizes but not mine! Fate? I think so!

Who am I to go against fate?

(Image from Urban Outfitters)

Most Wanted: Bluefly.com

Posted by: Shar

I am usually a little annoyed by the number of email notifications I get from Bluefly.com on a daily basis. But, the "10-hour Sale" and other "limited-time" subject lines are what keep people coming back to the site to snag a great deal. You have to get lucky to find your size, but it is like a rack sale without the exhaustion. I took a few minutes to come up with my "Most Wanted" on the site. Check in often for the best prices. The discounts fluctuate, and you can always hit up google to find additional checkout coupon codes. Which website generated emails always get you clicking for more?

Dress: Triton by Tufi Duek
Blouse: Geren Ford
Shoes: A.B.S
Bag: SHIH by Stephanie Lin
Underwear: Spreegirl

images from bluefly.com

Fab Finds: Forever 21

Posted by: Molly

I love designer clothes as much as the next person but in this economy (well, let's be honest--in any economy) purchasing them on a regular basis really isn't feasible. I've decided to start posting some of my favorite finds from more wallet friendly stores on a weekly basis. This week: Forever 21! Forever 21 is is my go to store for accessories and trendier clothing items. They have a fantastic selection, great prices, and consistently have pieces that look much more expensive than they actually are. The above pieces were all found on the Forever 21 website and I am absolutely obsessed with all of them. My favorite piece pictured above would probably have to be the awesome pink and black straw hat--it would add such a funky twist to any beach ensemble.

Which is your fave fab find?

(click on the image to be taken to Polyvore.com for prices of the above items)

Clown Shoes

Tarneyy $99.95

Passta $99.95

Posted by: Molly

The title of this post does not refer the the two truly fab pairs of platform sandals pictured above. Rather, it refers to the shoes I'm wearing at work today. I am wearing a pair of Seychelles wedges that I bought probably back in 2005. They really are fantastic summer wedges and after I bought them I wore them all the time. After wearing them constantly for about a year I retired them to the back of my closet. I dug them out last night and was so excited to wear them today! As I left my apartment this morning and walked through the parking garage to my car I noticed that the shoes felt a little big...no, scratch that...a LOT big. All day I've been walking like an idiot because I feel like my shoes are going to fall off/cause me to trip at any moment. Finally, after hours of this ridiculousness I looked at the size of the wedges--7 1/2!! I am a pretty consistent 6 1/2 and cannot even remember a time where I wore a 7 1/2. Did my feet shrink? Was there a time when I thought this is how shoes are supposed to fit? Did I love them and knowingly buy them a size too big because the store was out of my size? I wish I knew...

The two lovely pairs of Steve Madden platform sandals above are possible replacements for my clown shoes. Which pair do you like best?

**EDIT: How awesome is the Steve Madden website? Pretty dang awesome! When you make a purchase of $20 or more you get a free subscription to Teen Vogue, Lucky, Glamour, Maxim, or Esquire! As if that isn't awesome enough, there is also free shipping on all orders! AND as if those two things aren't awesome enough, sign up to receive emails from Steve Madden and get 10% off your next order. Wow Steve Madden, wow. I'm officially impressed and these three bonuses are really tempting me to make a purchase.

(Pictures from Steve Madden)

Three Dresses

Posted by: Shar

I displayed some SERIOUS restraint this morning when the Adam sale went live on Gilt.com. I immediately put these three dresses in my "cart" and waited 10 minutes as I had to contemplate my purchase. Meet Adam here. All of the designs were exactly what I wanted in a dress, pencil skirt, light-weight blouse, cardigan...but alas, I had to set them free from my cart. 1. because it is two weeks until my next payday, and 2. "work dress" is not on my wishlist (yet), and I am going to try to stick to that list. But, on second thought, I did just cross off "Classic Trench," so maybe, "Work Dress" can replace it. I'll have to think this over.

FYI: The gray dress in the middle actually made it to the "checkout" page of the process. I was reaching for my credit card when I saw an unopened credit card statement in my purse...

The Shoes I'll Live In This Summer

Posted by: Shar

My Modern Vintage shoes are here! The perfect shade of nude, the hefty wood heel, the unique details--all add up to the perfect wedge sandal. An online purchase with no buyer's remorse? Unheard of! Their first outing to Safeway went well. No pinching or rubbing, we'll see how it goes. Now all I need is a little sun...

Top: Halogen
Jeans: H&M
Shoes: Modern Vintage, of course! (from Gilt sale last week)

*Update for Molly's question about the heel* Measurements: Heel measures approximately 4" Platform measures approximately 3/4" But the heel doesn't really feel too high. They are super cozy to run errands in, surprisingly...

Casual Outfit: Beat the Heat!

Posted by: Molly

As I've mentioned in previous posts--it's SO hot in LA right now. As I'm typing this I'm sitting in my apartment with the ac blasting and I'm still sweating like a maniac. Since I had class all day today (and the air conditioning in the law school building can be fairly unpredictable), I decided I needed to wear something that I wouldn't be uncomfortable in. I bought this skirt when I was living in Arizona and I lived in it during the hot summers (100+ degrees every single day = absolute misery). I don't think I've worn it since living in Arizona which was well over a year and a half ago. Today, I remembered why I once loved this skirt so much. It's so comfortable and so perfect for high temperatures!

Skirt: Abercrombie and Fitch
Shirt: American Apparel
Belt: Random store in Boston, MA about 7 years ago
Sandals: Target

(Okay so you might notice that the belt isn't in the loops in this picture--I had taken it off when I got home and threw it on quickly for this photo, oops)

Work Outfit: Lady & the Trench

Posted by: Shar

I stopped by the Gap on my way home, almost convinced that the trench I really wanted was down the street at Banana Republic. But, to my surprise, this little beauty seemed to have exactly what drew me to each of the coats I was debating over at BR. Perfect shade of khaki, structured, just enough length, with just enough classic trench hardware--I was sold.

Coat: Gap
Pants: Limited
Shirt: H&M
Belt: from Theory dress
Boots: Sigerson Morrison

Window Shopping: Two-Toned Leather Bags

Posted by: Shar

Sooo... I need some thoughts on this two-toned leather Gryson bag (bottom image) I saw on Gilt.com today. I know it won't be available by the time I am done debating what kind of handbag I need next, but what I did want to throw into consideration was the style itself. I also saw this B. Makowsky Dublin Tote (top image) yesterday at the Nordstrom Rack, with similar coloring. What are your thoughts on more than one color of leather for a purse? Ugly or practical? Cheapie or Luxe?

Photos from Gilt.com Gryson Sale, and Nordstrom.com

Wishlist: The Classic Trench

Posted by: Shar

Now that I have proof that summer is on its way (it was in the 70s in Seattle today!), it is time for me to retire both my down feather jacket & wool peacoat in trade for a light and airy classic trench. Where better to start the search than Banana Republic? I found these two options both in the sale section and tried them on yesterday. While the one on the right is the definition of "classic trench coat," the one on the left was a lightweight wonder, whose only drawback was the rather high slit in the back. I slept on it, and I will return to see if this slit is something that can be conquered with a needle & thread. Which one do you like better?

Photos courtesy of Banana Republic

Work Outfit: Sunny Monday

Posted by: Molly

It is SO hot in LA today so I knew I was going to have to wear layers. When the weather gets warmer it also means everyone blasts their air conditioning. So while it's unbearably hot outside, it's usually freezing inside! I wore the yellow cardigan all day while at work but as soon as the clock struck 6:00pm, off it went so my shoulders could soak up some sun!

Cardigan: Ann Taylor
Dress: Old Navy

Belt: Forever 21

Shoes: Theory

Earrings: Target

(sorry for the weird picture layout--I'm still trying to figure blogger out!)

Your GILT Order Has Shipped...

Posted by: Shar

I had a mini-panic attack when I received this as a subject of an email last week, and TODAY is the day I will receive my lovely Modern Vintage wedge sandals (will post ASAP) I ordered off of Gilt.com (if you aren't a member, email us and we will hook you up!) This is the BEST sample sale website out there, but it has been harder and harder to get the items you want in your size. Sales start at NOON ET, and you better believe 1 minute past the hour, everyone is in a virtual dash to grab sizes and put them in their "carts." I've never been to a real sample sale, but the online thrill of logging on to see what is up for grabs (and the savings!) is becoming a serious addiction...right Molly?

Picture: taken from Gilt's web sale for Richard Chai.

Glass Attack!

Posted by: Shar

Having recently moved, my boyfriend and I came to our new place with only three Volkswagen- sized loads of our belongings. The rest we put up on Craigslist or abandoned in our dumpster. While we were lucky to find the big items quickly, it has been a little more difficult to find the perfect accessories to fill our new spaces. We have decided that the best accessories will come from our travels, that way they'll end up being more unique and meaningful. The first two come from an art gallery in San Francisco, where hand blown glass was the focus. My boyfriend's parents picked our the first two pieces for us, a multi-colored vase & matching plate:



While I'm still struggling to accept these pieces, and find a place for them to live permanently, they are growing on me. I guess part of my frustration is that I didn't have any say in these purchases, when ultimately they would be focal points in our decor. We'll try them out here for a while, but they might find their way into the guest bathroom, or storage closet...

On the other hand, I LOVE this lamp that I bought from Seattle Lighting's closeout section. For $39, I couldn't have asked for a better table-topper, and it casts such a cozy light onto an otherwise harshly lit living space. I had been waiting to try it out until we found a suitable side table, and this BDI glass-top number is great. It matched the darker toned wood of our other furniture, but the floating glass top keeps it from giving off a "heavy" look. I know I'll be satisfied with this set-up for a while.

Fab Finds: Old Navy

Posted by: Molly

As school gets more and more stressful I find myself thinking about the coming summer months (and Hawaii of course) more and more. With my thoughts drifting to summer, I can't help but obsess over my summer wardrobe. There are so many clothes and accessories on my summer wish list and I am constantly putting off studying to shop online (dangerous habit with finals less than a month away). Today I was checking out Old Navy's website and was surprised by all I found. Lately I have been very underwhelmed by Old Navy. I feel like their clothing has started to look really cheap and the quality has been really sub par. However, today I noticed that they have some really great accessories (and even a few pieces of clothing that look promising). Here are some of my favorites:

I'm in love with metallics and I've been on a silver kick lately so this belt is perfect. I think it would look so cute with the VS boyfriend shorts.

I love love love Raybans but unfortunately I don't have $139 to spare. These glasses are only $9.50 and have the perfect wayfarer shape--I want them in every color!

I LOVE this bag! The colors are so summery, it's roomy enough to hold all my beach essentials, and it's only $12.50. SOLD!

I love all things linen and this linen-blend camp shirt really appeals to me. I also love the brown color--it would look so cute tucked into jean shorts and worn with a fun gold belt.

(All images courtesy of Old Navy)