Cute vs. Functional: the iPad Edition

so, an iPad is at the top of my Christmas list

I know, I've been talking about getting one for.. forever. Hopefully I've been good and Santa will be able to fill this void in my life, because how can I live in this modern world without a tablet?! 

Your guess is as good as mine.

So, naturally, I'll have to have a fabulous case for this new addition to my life. And that is where the million-dollar questions comes in: to go for looks or safety? I mean, of course I want a case that will protect the screen and everything in transport. But, I'm really not a fan of the giant Otterbox cases or anything like that. The Apple smart cases are just... so generic. Luckily, my girls Lilly and Kate have my back! 

I really like this Kate Spade Folio

But, of course this sleeve is so fun! 

Or, I could go for cute and functional with this Lilly case

the only problem with this one is that I'm not a huge fan of any of the prints offered...

So, that's my dilemma! 

I am calling all iPad owners to tell me what they've found to be the best option-

or, more importantly, do the cute cases do the job?

Travel [with Kate Spade]

Travel with Kate Spade? Coach? 

I'm in.

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I knew that these online City Guides existed, but I never took the time to sit down and look at what they have to offer... until now! Coach has only just introduced their New York Stories series, that focuses more on style for travel. The Kate Spade blog has an incredible section of City Guides from downtown Chicago to Shanghai. 

...as if planning a trip wasn't enough fun

the Kate Spade guides are impossibly cute and easy to use. Unlike the overwhelming travel sites that plague the internet, these guides make it simple to plan based on location. Places to eat, itinerary of the must see places, and a list of 10 facts to get you started. The blog prides itself on making guides for 48 hours, and that's the extent to which they make each of their guides.

No matter the length of time in a city, this fun guide is a perfect way to start your travel search. It provides ideas and attractions that will no-doubt lead to many more options with the use of Google. They help distinguish the "must sees" from the must sees. Especially if you've only got 48 hours in a city, making sure you see the best that there is to offer is key! 

But, what do I wear?

Coach has you covered... for New York, at least. Their New York Stories give a nice 1 minute look at what's relevant. More than that, the videos can be used as inspiration for outfits. Of course, your entire suitcase doesn't need to be packed with Coach products. But the worst thing (in my opinion) is to look like a tourist. To avoid that, videos like this give simple, travel friendly outfits that can usually be pulled together from staples already found in the closet. 

my tip on packing? just remember that there's shopping to be done once you've arrived. you don't have to have everything before... although I may need to begin taking my own advice. oops.

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Whether you're planning a getaway, or just need a quick mental getaway, the internet is your friend! I've gotten into the habit of checking out a new city on the Kate Spade blog in between studying. LEM and I are currently planning a little 48 hour trip for our winter break, so 

I bet you can guess where I'll be looking first

Bling Bling... And Other Ways to Accessorize

One of my 21 Before 21 goals is to learn how to accessorize. 

Looking back, I probably should have made a more quantifiable goal, but I'm working with what I originally wrote. I'd say that I'm starting to really improve on my overall level of "personal style". Lately I've been enjoying hats and heels... two very new things for my everyday look. But, when I made this goal I was more focused on the jewelry aspect.

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A bit of background- I've never really been huge on accessories. I tend to be more of a necessity type of girl- if it isn't necessary I won't wear it. So even thinking about necklaces, earrings, and even nail polish is new to me. But new certainly doesn't mean bad; contrary to my thoughts, I have been having so much fun wearing and shopping for jewelry! Of course, my taste is just as expensive in jewelry as in clothing. I naturally gravitate towards Kate Spade and J. Crew baubles, but budget-wise, Bauble Bar is my favorite boutique for jewelry. 

What I'm loving:

Statement Necklaces

You just can't go wrong. I'd style this J. Crew necklace with a collared shirt. It could work to either accent and complete an outfit or make the outfit. The versatility is a plus, of course! For more color, Bauble Bar has a similar style that has both subdued fall colors and bright, statement colors! Perfection. 

This pearl necklace from J. Crew is really what go me started on this whole statement necklace craze. I bought it 50% off back when I was still wary on jewelry. It was the perfect necklace to dip my toes and see how I liked it. I'll be honest, I tried it on almost every day and would take it off, thinking I just couldn't pull it off. I'm telling you- jewelry has been a struggle for me! I took it on every trip that I went on over the summer but I think I only wore it once or twice. College was where I feel able to redefine my personal style. Nobody knows how I dressed in high school or that I hardly wore jewelry. The way I carry myself (and accessorize) is completely up to me. And the best part? I get so many compliments on how well I accessorize and dress... if they only knew. 

Bangles

Bracelets haven't really been a problem for me, except that I get into a routine and don't really change it up much. My left wrist is my sentimental wrist- a watch from my parents and a Tiffany bracelet from my mom. Always. I feel lost without those two pieces- it's like having my parents with me at all times without them actually being there. I still haven't mastered a "stack" for my right wrist, just because it can get annoying when I'm writing. But, like my necklaces, I'm branching out. As of now, I'm more of a bangle girl. They're easy to slip on and off and don't take much thought to put together. I'm also loving bows, so this Loren Hope bow bangle is to die for. And for her, it's an awesome price! Being sentimental and the bibliophile that I am, Kate Spade idioms are my favorites! I love this "Kick Up Your Heels" idiom (it says "Dress to the Nines" on the inside!!), and I might have to buy it just because it's so symbolic of this personal... blossoming into someone who can put a decent outfit together, if I do say so myself.  

When it comes to earrings and rings, I still am in my rut. I rarely change out my earrings because, what's better than pearls? And I've never really been huge on rings, just because I'm self conscious of my fingers and don't like bringing attention to them. I know, but we girls are weird about out insecurities! That's not to say that I don't find rings adorable! In fact, I quite love College Prepster's rings that she's always showing off. Maybe that's my next step in this accessory development?

I'll keep you posted

#NYFW

eeeee! I have been so looking forward to this post.

It has taken every ounce of my being to wait this long to re-cap and make my comments on New York Fashion Week! I waited partially because I needed to make sure that I had time to look through everything and because I've been caught up with the other fashion weeks (one after another is too much for me to keep up with in my lacking free time.. I can't imagine actually following the shows in person!). It's amazing how much time watching one 10 minute video after the other can take up! Don't worry, to be well informed I made sure to do the job right. :) I feel confident that I've been able to narrow down my favorite shows as well as a few off-the-runway looks that I found particularly pleasing. Let's get to it, then.

There was an overwhelming feel of the Sixties this Fashion Week. From big, bold, colorful prints to chunky jewelry and shoes. Each designer interpreted the decade in their own way, producing an array of vintage-chic looks that are way too cool for me to pull off. After searching through articles and images, I was able to narrow my favorite shows down to two: Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch. Both completely different, but not so out there that I felt I could never wear any of the looks- that is the point of "ready-to-wear" isn't it? 

Ralph Lauren

Ralph is the epitome of American style. I love the classic looks mixed with a Sixties London feel. Overall, the collection went for mainly blacks and whites with colorful accessories thrown in. The show began with boyish school-girl outfits: short skirts, knee-high socks, and ties. I felt like I was watching the Gossip Girl school uniform selection process... not exactly the best feelings for such a high-profile fashion show. My fear was banished as lust-worthy pea coats and skirts emerged. 

I'm not usually one for a bold flower print (except for Lilly), but leave it to Ralph to pull it off. 

The Sixties rang out loud as busy geometric prints and face-masking sunglasses made their appearance. The neon shift dresses and pantsuits reflected off the runway. My eyes went a bit blind, but I somehow ended up really being drawn to the bright red and blue (I can't waver too far from my go-to nautical colors). Again, probably not something I'd pick off the rack at the the store, but it worked! What I loved, though, was what came next: the Ralph Lauren classics that we all know and love. The geometric striped sweaters and simple, flowy skirts are what I was waiting for. 

Oh and can I just take a second to talk about the accessories... well mostly the bags! Beautiful, fantastic, I want them all. Oh, and I hope I get asked to a formal so I have a reason to buy the ball gowns. 

Tory Burch

I am forever a Tory Burch fan. As a woman, I think she's incredible. Her designs speak to the laid back lifestyle that she lives. One thing that really sets her apart is her wearability. I could see myself in almost every single one of her runway looks (except for the bikini and trench coat look...) , which instantly makes her a favorite of mine. Like I said, the ideas for this upcoming season seem stem from a Sixties feel- Tory's flowers and geometric patterns are no different.
What makes the collection different, though, is Tory. In the October Vogue she spoke about her love of gardening and arranging flowers, and her love of her Southampton home. With those idea in mind, the collection comes to life. The greens, blues, and creams take on a new meaning with the touches of silver metallic bringing on a new look.
I love that the designer is more than just a designer for this line. Everything has sentimental value- from the pieces being named after family members to using a hobby to make patterns. More than any NYFW shows that I saw, this is the one I'm most excited for.

Besides the actual shows, I have been loving looking at all of the street style from each different destination. NYFW spectators seemed to like dressing up casual looks, something that I really could get into. Baseball caps on my head and heels on my feet with a blazer and some jeans... sounds about perfect to me! There were clutches and more clutches present, too. I've always been more of a big tote-bag person, but I might try taking a tip from these stylish ladies and try lightening my load. Of course, I've rounded up a few of my NYFW street style favorites!

I didn't talk at all about Kate Spade, but she is not to be forgotten. I always love the looks and the New York Sixties were embodied by this collection. Big flowers and bright colors were present like in Ralph Lauren, but KSNY always channels a more youthful, fun look.
(and if you haven't checked out the recent new fall arrivals, go do it now. )

Well, there's my opinion on a few of the NYFW looks and shows. There were so many to look at that I probably missed out on a few points, but c'est la vie. I'm hoping to continue this "series" and look at at least London and Paris, as well. As always, London is going to rock it's own style while Paris is going to blow me away with it's posh designs and spectators. I love looking at the inspiration behind collections and how they change based on designer and country. 

What I love about American designers is that they're able to use the melting pot to their full advantage and can pull from all different forms of inspiration, 

making for a unique and versatile look.

Kate Spade New Arrivals

The New Arrivals on Kate Spade were made for me. 100%.

It channels my inner, bookworm self and I love it. 

You can check out the collection for yourself here, but these are the pieces I'm lusting over:

Cobble Hill Little Murphy

Age of Innocence Book Clutch

Rumer Dress

Multi Glitter Metro Grand

this comes with an interchangeable band... yes please.

Claremont Drive Marcella

big, brown, and leather. can't go wrong. 

What's on your wish list?

Kate Spade Surprise Sale!

Who doesn't love a sale?

I was delighted to wake up to that coveted e-mail. 

Even better, I just got an A on a couple of exams- I could justify treating myself! The entire sale is fantastic and I could have bought thousands of dollars worth of bags and jewelry! But, I was able to contain my spending and ended up with a wallet (which I have desperately been needing!) and some earrings.

Cute, right? I have been wanting a new wallet and a good pair of pearl earrings. Getting both for a little over $100 was wonderful! Of course, being the queen of bags, I was this close to buying a bag... or two. The only thing stopping me was that I just bought a Dooney & Bourke a couple of months ago and I had asked my mom for a new bag for my birthday. My dorm closet is only so big and I know I'll want them all at school. 

Plus, this way I can save for when the Beau Bag is on sale. I am in love.

of course, I want the one that Mackenzie has

Here are a few of my favorites from the sale

Baxter Street Catalina

Radcliffe Griffen

Wordsmith Dictionary

If you like something, act quick! The two bags I was looking at this morning are already gone. 

And make sure to update me on your purchases!

Fall Accessories

Fall is coming!!

 Channelling Jackie Oh

...or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I'm dying for warm coffee and brisk morning walks. You've heard it before and you know just what I'm talking about. Since I'm still wearing summer clothes, I enjoy summer through online shopping (or browsing, since I'm trying not to buy much). I've been really excited about the animal prints that seem to be a fashion staple this fall. LEM would be so proud, since I used to tease her about her love of animal prints. I still don't understand the zebra phase, but cheetah and tortoise shell I've really become obsessed with.

I'm not a huge jewelry person. But I'm working on it (check out #11 in yesterday's post). I recently had my mom pick up not this exact bracelet, but a similar one from J. Crew and I'm so glad I had her do it because they're all sold out of this style of jewelry now. I think it'll look awesome with plaid or hunter green- one of my favorites for the fall. Of course, I'm a lover of all things Ray-Bans. I have almost every style they offer, but I'm still missing a pair of Jackie Ohh's... and this tortoise shell pair is perfection.

It wouldn't be fall without a patterned frat-hat. 

Southern Proper has the best hats and I'm loving this and the green one for fall. Not exactly animal print, but it channels fall nonetheless. Only a couple of weeks until it's officially fall, and I really can't wait!

What are you loving this fall?