OFF WE GO

As a California girl with a never-ending itch to travel, I just about DIED when I saw this Kate Spade clutch a year ago at Nordstrom. I couldn't justify shelling out almost $400 for a clutch (albeit an amazing one), so I held onto it for a few moments before placing it back on the display with a tear in my eye. I must have circled back at least 3 times to longingly gaze upon its perfection but in the end, I had to let it go.

Needless to say, when it popped up during one of Kate Spade's surprise sales for more than 50% off, I had to buy it! I added it to my cart and checked out with such an insane sense of urgency that my heart was racing. Have any of you experienced the adrenaline rush when you score something you've been coveting for ages?? So worth the wait!
If you're a Kate Spade fan like me, they're having another surprise sale now! I have my eye on the All Aboard Ship clutch and the Lemon Drop Lella (most adorable pineapple clasp ever!). Hurry though, because stock is super limited!

[ :: Gap wool moto jacket (navy and grey here!) :: H&M tee :: DIY BF jeans (similar) :: ]
[ :: Mossimo heels (similar) :: Kate Spade clutch :: DesignSix necklace (similar) :: ]






[ :: Gap wool moto jacket (navy and grey here!) :: H&M tee :: DIY BF jeans (similar) :: ]
[ :: Mossimo heels :: Kate Spade clutch :: DesignSix necklace (similar) :: ]



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SUMMER ESSENTIAL

Been pretty much lingering in air-conditioned locales since being outside in the heat turns me into a belligerent train wreck, but for those moments that I know I'll be outside, I've been arming myself with super breezy clothes and a giant hat for sun protection.

[ :: shirtdress c/o Melissa Masse (55% off here!) :: Kate Spade hello sunshine tote (similar) :: Cynthia Rowley hat (similar) :: ]
[ :: jewelry via ideeli :: target wedges (30% off here!) :: ]


This Melissa Masse dress is a new favorite and I'm pretty much in love with the stripey, bunting-ish flag print. The silk blend is paper-thin in the best way possible. Kept things summery with a holds-everything-and-more tote that always makes me smile, and an oversized floppy hat to hide from both the sun and people I don't want to talk to. I'm all about pieces that multitask.








[ :: shirtdress c/o Melissa Masse (55% off here!) :: Kate Spade hello sunshine tote (similar) :: Cynthia Rowley hat (similar) :: ]
[ :: jewelry via ideeli :: target wedges (30% off here!) :: ]

What are your essentials and tricks for beating the heat? Share your secrets with me!
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the naked dress

So clearly, I am not naked. (sorry? you're welcome? idk. lol.) But the second I put this sack of a dress on, I kinda felt like I was. Not in a bad way or anything, just really exposed. I love this dress though, and am totally going to be wearing this on the regular this summer. I'm a huge fan of t-shirt dresses, and love that this one ups the ante with sheer layers and a sprinkling of colorful sequins.

Also, I always get a million comments on my Instagram photos asking where I got this phone case from. You can pretty much find it anywhere online by searching "Rilakkuma phone case." Word of warning though, don't buy it unless you want every little girl to be STARING at your phone when you take it out. Just saying. It gets awkward.

[ :: H&M dress (in-store, similar in black here):: SURevolution bracelet via ideeli (similar) :: ]
[ :: necklace from SoHo street vendor (similar):: Steve Madden heels (similar) :: Kate Spade clutch :: ]
[ :: nails - Essie Blanc + Deborah Lippman Happy Birthday :: toes - Sally Hansen CSM Frutti Petutie :: ]

Oh, and anyone who gets the reference to SATC/Carrie's naked dress? I ♥ you 4eva. 

Shopping Spotlight: Contrast Trim Trench Coat

The Kate Spade 'Topliner' trench is perfection in my eyes. Its black trim, perfectly oversized and rounded lapels, and attention to detail (you can't see it here but the lining is a gorgeous Florence Boardhurst pattern that I've used as the border here) are the stuff of dreams. While I'm hardly the type to spend $700 on a jacket (I typically save that sort of investment $$ for bags), I would totally make an exception for this trench.

Unfortunately, the 'Topliner' trench goes up to a 14, a few sizes shy of what I wear. Given the fact that I can't remember the last time I was a 14 (maybe what, middle school??), I started searching for a suitable alternative. I came across the Piped Trench by So Fabulous and while it certainly isn't a perfect match, it works. I would probably swap out the included belt for different one (maybe a black one?) to increase the contrast, but at less then 1/10th of the price of the 'Topliner," this coat is a pretty good alternative.

Another option is to take Jessica Quirk's advice and make my own! ;) With my limited sewing skills though...I might just end up with a ruined trench, a pile of tangled trim, and throbbing fingertips.

What do you ladies do when you fall in love with a design that doesn't come in your size? Shop for alternatives? Make it yourself? DIET? (Just kidding! Don't yell at me.) I want to know! ♥