red, white, blue and gold

This July has been a particularly patriotic month! First, we had the 4th of July, and two American-themed posts, and now it's the Olympics. In honor of the games, it feels appropriate to mix in some gold (as in first place medals) with the colors of the U.S.A.

Topshop American Flag Bralet // Otte High Low Skirt // Elie Saab Gold Studded Square Clutch // Guess Cardio Booties // Topshop Moto Denim Shirt // Free People Flag Tote // Citizens of Humanity Chloe Cutoff Shorts // ASOS Flat Sandals // Markus Lupfer Sweater Dress // Franchi Gold Evening Bag // Jimmy Choo Glenda Glitter Flats

arm candy

As I was window shopping today, I was drawn to these fun purses by Furla. The "Candy S Bauletto" is a shopper made out of PVC. Despite being made of plastic, the structure and quality keep the bag looking upscale. To add even more funkiness, the bag, by the Italian accessories brand, is available in bright, funky colors. I'm eyeing the orange and the teal. How great and unexpected would this be as a pool or beach bag?

my day job: summer style

I've mentioned my job before, and this weekend I had the opportunity to cover a couple of great local fashion events. I love when my work overlaps with my blog. News and fashion are my two passions, and a lot of the writing that I do at work is a lot more "hard news," compared with what I talk about with you all. It's amazing when I get to write about Rebecca Minkoff and Shoshanna for my job. It's a little taste of what I hope to be able to do full-time one day.

Check out the trunk show I covered at a local boutique and stay tuned for a very cool interview I got to be a part of!

Images via Caitlin O'Brien

colors to watch

There's definitely not a shortage of watches on the market these days, but I just can't stop thinking about this timepiece. I first spotted the Viscid from Anthropologie on Taylor at Sterling Style. The watch is the perfect size and a good complement to my classic gold piece. It has the same masculine silhouette, but the colors and rubber give it a more casual vibe. I wear my watch all the time, but sometimes I feel like I scratch it up to much when I type on a computer. This watch doesn't have that problem! Taylor has the "Sky" color, and I love how it looks with the gold accents. The other colors are juicy citruses and just as gorgeous. The four shades are spot on for Summer and the exact colors that are inspiring me this season.

Images via Anthropologie and Sterling Style

flowers in her hair

This is another case of a look that may be easier to pull off in an editorial than in real life. Floral crowns are so ethereal and pastoral. It makes me think of A Midsummer Night's Dream meets Woodstock. Unfortunately, there aren't that many opportunities in my life to channel a woodland fairy. However, I'll definitely be rocking this look at any summer concerts I go to. It's sort of a prettier, fresher alternative to the braided hipster headbands that everyone seems to wear at music festivals.

summer sparkle

I am in dire need of a new bag, and with summer literally knocking on our door, I'm going to need a good tote for the pool, beach and general carrying (don't you find yourself lugging more stuff around in the summer?). I mentioned Deux Lux before, when Oprah put one of their bags on her Favorite Things list. Well lucky me, I ended up getting that bag for Christmas and I love it. It's sturdy, roomy and fun. So when I stumbled on the line's beach totes, I was excited at the prospect of having a little sparkle with me at the beach.

The problem is, the industrial colors and leather in the bag that Oprah mentions really tone down the sequins. I like to have more of a casual-polished or bohemian look on the weekends. I definitely don't want to look like a Real Housewife of Orange County (no offense to my family in Orange County! I'm talking about the Tamras and Gretchens of O.C.). The grey works well as a neutral to offset the silver, I think. For a little color, I like the yellow. It's a muted and a little unexpected with the metallic.

If I chicken out and go with a less glitzy bag, then I will make the cosmetic case mine. I am obsessed with the gold and silver versions. Either one would be perfect for carrying my sunscreen, comb and other summer essentials!

umm... okay, free people

Free People has always been a go-to for my more alternative fashion pieces. In that way, it's kind of timeless. I still have embroidered tanks from high school that are just as boho-chic now as they were then. That being said, I'm not sure how I feel about the appearance of trucker hats in their May lookbook. It's actually kind of cool in a tacky, kitsch way. Don't get me wrong, I will not be rocking one of these this summer (thought I definitely did back in my Free People prime in high school), but I don't hate the look as much as I thought I would. Combined with swimwear and tans, it has a Britney-Spears-Pepsi-commercial-era feel. It kind of epitomizes the summer mentality of dressing casually and effortlessly. I'm not so sure I'd wear a neon, crocheted monokini or a floral bodysuit, either, but I definitely appreciate the aesthetic.

Images via Free People

spring showers

As the saying goes, April showers are supposed to bring May flowers, but it's the first day of the month, and the weather is still wet outside. I'm one of those people who loves Spring and Summer rainstorms. They're sort of romantic, and you know that the sun will come out soon. I also love the opportunity to wear bright, happy, lighter rain gear. It's like bringing your own sunshine to a cloudy day. 

Barneys New York Regimental Stripe Folding Umbrella // Carven Pleated Cotton-Twill Skirt // Zoe Karssen Tee // Burberry Brit Burnt Orange Short Trench // Hunter Original Tall High Gloss Rain Boot // See by Chloé Devoré Floral Blouse // J. Crew Scalloped Short // Vince Camuto Chambray Anorak // Rag & Bone Braided Belt // Hunter Original Tall Metallic Rain Boot // Bloomingdale's Clear Bubble Umbrella

which shoes to choose

Every Spring, for over a decade, I have bought a new pair of neutral wedge sandals. I go for an open toe, high heel, natural textures (cork, wood, rope, cotton and leather), minimal embellishment, no excessive straps and try to get the closest color to nude that I can find. Every Fall the shoes are totally trashed from the beach, pool water, parties, etc., therefore, continuing the cycle of needing a new, similar pair in the warmer months.

This year, however, is a little different! Last Summer, my beloved shoes met an early demise, and I bought a great replacement pair in August. Those shoes managed to survive for a few weeks and will still be my go-to pair this Spring and Summer. Now, I feel like my annual neutral sandal purchase be a little more fun since I already have a trusted pair. I want to stick with my basic guidelines but go with a different shade, some interesting detailing or maybe a t-strap or ankle strap. I'm even considering going with a thick, platformed heel.

I know I seem crazy and all the sandals above may look alike, but I will literally be wearing these shoes every day for the next four months. I need them to be cute and versatile. Which pair do you like best?

Vince Camuto Duval // Kors by Michael Kors Windsor // Chinese Laundry Major Crush // Cole Haan Air Minka // ALDO Lovin // Aldo Milius // Luxury Rebel Carol // Nine West Allaccess // Nine West Intuitive // Ivanka Trump Halyn // Frye Corrinna Cross Stitch // Ivanka Trump Keira // Fergie Indie // Ivanka Trump Halina // Alice and Olivia Thelma // DV by Dolce Vita Tulle // Stuart Weitzman Wraptor // Tory Burch Adonis // Madison Harding Norma // Ras Open Toe Wedge Espadrille // Kork-Ease Samantha // Steve Madden Wyliee // Vince Camuto Hattie // DV by Dolce Vita Shellie // Tommy Hilfiger Faye // Steve Madden Oaklee // Steve Madden Larrissa // Kork-Ease Hailey // Sam Edelman Leroy // Michael by Michael Kors Palm Beach // Seychelles Good Intentions // Kenneth Cole Reaction Real Deal // Steve Madden Magestee // Tommy Hilfiger Daisie // Steve Madden Syren // Jessica Simpson Casie

tangerine tango

A lovely reader wrote in a while ago and mentioned she'd been seeing orange bags everywhere these days. Well, we know tangerine isn't going anywhere, since it was named Pantone's color of the year. I'm loving all the orange hues this season, from burnt orange, to neon, to peach. If orange isn't your color (it wasn't for the reader, and it's not for me and my red hair, either), you can still get in on the trend with a bright, juicy orange bag.

Topshop Pleat Midi Shirtdress // Dian von Furstenberg Belted Silk Dress // Kain Classic Striped Modal T-shirt // Madewell Runaround Tank // Alexander McQueen McQ Leather Moto Jacket // Topshop Premium Silk Shimmer Pleat Dip Hem Skirt // Current/Elliot The Stiletto Jeans // Versace Polka-dot Stretch-cotton Micro Shorts // J. Crew Viv Patent Leather Ballet Flats // Alexander McQueen McQ Nail-head Embellished Leather Wallet // Karen Walker Orange Sunglasses // Jessica Simpson Carrack // Diane von Furstenberg Orange Patent Leather Clutch // Aspinal of London Boston // Reed Krakoff Soft Boxer // Emilio Pucci Python Marquisa Mini Bag // Emilio Pucci Python Box Clutch // Alexander Wang Rocco Duffel // Michael Kors Small Ostrich-effect Hamilton // Kate Spade New Bond Street Florence // Diane Von Furstenberg Lytton Neon Clutch // Michael Kors Large Hamilton

new york times

Ladies and gentlemen (okay, just ladies...), I think we may have finally found some replacements for Michael Kors' menswear-inspired watches. Kate Spade's new foray into timepieces is sure to be a huge success. Expect to start seeing these adorable accessories included in the most stylish arm parties.

The collection is inspired by Kate Spade's home, New York City. Each watch is named after a Big Apple landmark. The Carousel Bangle, a gorgeous bracelet with a clock face, comes in fun, candy colors, but my favorite is the gold polka dots, Gold Confetti. The Delacorte Bangle is a little thicker and is etched with pretty gold designs. The Gramercy, Gramercy Crystal, Gramercy Grand, Seaport and Seaport Grand are old-school basics, like the locations they were named for, but are on trend with the oversized look that is popular now and come in gold, silver and bronze. The Metro has a classic round face and thin leather strap. It's convenient and practical, just like everybody's favorite form of public transportation! I love the Gold Spade and Pink pieces. The Cooper has a delicate square face and comes as a strap, or with classic, ladylike links. The Parsons is available as a strap or with links, and embraces its namesake with an artistic square design. The Waldorf also comes with links or a strap, and looks elegant, like the hotel with a crystal edge.

The watches are fun and feminine, consistent with Kate Spade's current direction. The bangle watches feature sweet messages like "Kick Up Your Heels," and the classic watches come with the option of a cute pink spade. I really love that another trusted designer is getting in on the watch game and think I may have to pick one up for myself!