Fashion Friday: Shades of Spring Break

Hello dear blog-goers! It's me! Sara. I'm alive! Yeah. It's been forevs since I've been on here and I'm so sorry about that :(

But now I'm back with a vengeance and style! This weeks Fashion Friday? GLASSES!!!

I'm super excited to do this post as I absolutely love glasses. They can totally transform your persona. My new favorite look? Earth tones. We're stepping back a few decades, back into thicker and rounder frames. On my fashion radar right now is Warby Parker's Limited Edition Palm Canyon Collection. They're gorgeous. I want them.

There are three basic styles: Winston, Preston, and Duckworth (my personal choice). Each can be made with your prescription lenses or with polarized lenses. Or with both! It's a glasses wearer's paradise in there. 

These frames are coming just in time for spring break. And who doesn't want to look their best when heading off to the beach (or in my case Wisconsin...)?

"But I don't want to look like everyone else at the beach," you say? Well you won't. These glasses are one of a kind, with no two pair looking alike:

"An artful pair of frames elevates any look instantly. Duckworth’s slender, rounded shape and signature plaques make it the perfect finishing touch. This one-of-a-kind pair features hand-mixed insets of tortoise acetate at each end piece."

I couldn't have said it better myself. These glasses are classy. I've been looking for a new pair for over a year now. I want to replace my boring metal frames because I feel like Harry Potter when I wear them. I do believe I might be in love!

If you really want to go all out retro there is another style featured in the Palm Canyon Collection: Wheeler.

These are adorable and, might I mention, selling out fast. So if I were you I'd get on over to Warby Parker and check them out. Then get some classy glasses on your face so people check you out. 

Look at these people. Tell me, you don't want to look that good?

But I'm not done yet. Not only are Warby Parker making some gorgeous glasses, but they're doing something really exciting. They have a home try-on program. Five pairs. Five days. 100% free. This means that you get to try before you buy, which is something extremely important when buying glasses. While they can change your persona, they can also totally not work on your face. 

With this program you can wear these frames around for a few days. See what people think. Ask your mom, your grandma, your boyfriend, the guy at the coffee shop, your cat. Whoever. Wear a different pair every day! See which one gets the most (positive) attention. It's perfect. 

So with that in mind, Vanessa and I have decided to try a home program. We'll be wearing them around, getting opinions and modeling for you guys from the Spring Collection. 

I'm in love with Burke :)

So look forward to the next few weeks and we'll be keeping you guys updated on our glasses wearing progress :)

<3 Sara

Fa(shion) la la la la

♪Deck the halls with boughs of holly, fa la la la la la la!♪

Okay I know I'm a little too excited (as I'm typing this I'm belting out the carol at the top of my voice), but CHRISTMAS IS COMING! Which means that beautiful decorated houses are coming, warm sugar cookies are coming, turkeys are coming, and gifts are coming! Most important of all, family gatherings are coming!

In the jolly times of seeing family and friends, who doesn't want to be dressed festively and nicely? Here are a few tips that I have for this year's Christmastime dress code:

1. the basics

Some beautiful dresses that are not just Christmassy - you can wear all year round!

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These two pretty numbers from Free People are a little on the pricey side, but oh well, you can always ask for them as Christmas presents... The lace detail on the red dress  is just gorgeous - so delicate, so feminine, but the color red is at the same time very racy and bold. The white dress, in my opinion, is more made for those who like to sleep in during the holidays. The cleanliness and casualness of it matched with bed-mussed hair cannot be cuter. Slip on a pair of fuzzy socks and sip away all the peppermint hot chocolate!

2. the layers

When it's a little colder in the house, or when you are going out, throw some layers over your dress to dress it up more! 

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The white dress would go really well with the navy sweater with jeweled detail or the cozy red cardi; the red dress paired with the varsity-jacket lookalike cardi would add to its boldness in design and at the same time balance it out with some quieter colors.

3. the accessories

Last but not least, the accessories are what really bring out an outfit by adding that perfect final touch to the outfit. Here are some eye-catching accessories that will also keep you warm!

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The embellished headwrap goes well with casual wavy hair or cute boyish short hair; wear it with the red dress and varsity cardi. the off white eternity scarf, well, it's just so comfy; wear it with the white dress and either the navy sweater or the red cardi.

Happy holidays! I hope you guys rock whatever you wear this holiday season!

xx

Vanessa :]

Clothing and Self-representation

So today I am here with some questions I have yet to find the answers to.

All throughout boarding school, and now as a freshman in college, part of living in a dorm for me means sharing stuff with your dorm mates and friends. As a girl, a lot of this sharing comes in the form of clothes, shoes, and accessories. 

Therein arises the questions then: by borrowing our friends/dorm mates' clothing, we appropriate/accept them as part of our self-representations, but are these representations really ours? Do we own them? Do we own these images of ourselves? We certainly do not own these clothing items, but by wearing them, can we call them "our style," so to speak?

Do we own our own image? If not, who does?

xx

Vanessa :]

What do you want? Fall accessories?

A few rainy days later, the air is suddenly crisp, the wind chilly. The sky is high, the leaves are turning golden. My baggy sweaters and frilly scarves are dug up from the bottom of my dresser again.

It's time to shop for fall accessories.

Here are a few things I have my eyes on :)

1. Ecote Tasseled ID Card Holder

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This eccentric little gadget is sure to catch eyes, with its cute tassels and ocean-y colors clashing with the monotonic yellows and browns of fall weather.

2. Crystal Laurel Headband

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This delicate accessory is perfect for the girly girls, or for those who just want a feminine twist on their tomboy outfits.

3. Tights for Every Occasion in Wine

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How about a pair of warm-colored tights to dress up the cold weather? Pair these babies with a baggy sweater + cute skirt + leather boots = perfection

4. Heart On Your Sleeve Bracelet

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Okay, admit it, hearts never go out of style. Wear this to give your mood an extra boost, an extra reason to smile on a bad-weather day. Plus, isn't its name just the cutest - Heart on your sleeve? Who else is smitten? At least I am!

Happy fall/autumn!

xx

Vanessa :]

Fashion Friday: summer nails!

Ten minutes ago I was painting my nails (a lilac color, if you must know), and inspiration hit - why didn't I ever do a Fashion Friday on nail polish before?

So, voila. :)

Just a few of my favorites this summer:

1. Stronger by Deborah Lippmann (created with Kelly Clarkson)

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This "tenacious vivacious violet" is totally perfect for toenails on a party night, or a carnival excursion!

2. Really Red by Essie

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The name says it all.

3. Dining al Frisco by OPI

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This cool-colored shade, from OPI's San Francesco collection, reminds me of Fisherman's Wharf, sourdough bread bowls, and all that's enjoyable and beautiful.

4. Mojito Madness by Essie

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Sick of the heat? How about a refreshing minty green nail color for a change of mood?

5. Mermaid's Kiss by Deborah Lippmann

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Fun and girly, this shade from Deborah Lippmann's Mermaid collection always make me think of romantic dinner dates on the beach boardwalk, or holding hands on crazy roller coaster rides at Six Flags.

Of the five shades above, which one is your favorite?

Happy summer!

xx

Vanessa :]

**side note: I think I'm publishing this post according to China time (where I'm at right now), so excuse me for the automatic "Thursday" on the date panel above the post

Tea party outfit ideas

Summer is fast approaching, and a great idea for spending summer afternoons is throwing (perhaps themed?) tea parties with friends and family. Some fun themes include Alice in Wonderland, good old nail-painting-and-tea-sipping girl time, High Tea, vintage tea parties (see Pinterest board for more).

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Some amazing outfits for tea parties are:

1. pastel blushing pink dress

this dress is very simple yet cute and absolutely elegant. Just imagine wearing it, lounging around the porch with a cup of Early Grey in hand. Pair with some metallic silver flats or gold strappy sandals and it'll be gorgeous!

2. emerald and white striped shirt

this shirt is, again, a simple design, but very classy and definitely comfy (the fabric is soft as a baby's skin!!) What I love about this shirt is its color. You don't see emerald green striped shirts very often, do you? Pair with distressed jean shorts to dress down and lace shorts or chino shorts to dress up.

3. button-up shorts

Something you have to know about me: I adore buttons on shorts. ADORE. They're just sooooo adorable!!!!

4. Mesh mint dress

beautiful color, sexy dress--need I say more? ;)

Happy summer! Throw awesome tea parties, be beautiful, and have a heck lot of fun!

xx

Vanessa :]

Penchant for Pendants

I'm late, I'm late! I'm really really lateeeeee!!!!! But I come bearing extremely awesome jewelry.

So you all know that I really really love all things british and I find the best way of expressing my obsession with our cousins across the pond is to wear pendants. Especially ones that have to do with TV shows because i'm awesome.

[etsy]

I love this one. It's from Sherlock Holmes obviously (which is my favorite book/movie/series franchise ever). 

[etsy]

And for all the John Green fans out there, here are some necklaces that I love too. These go with anything and everything. I actually have the round one. Whenever I wear it I'm reminded of Hazel Grace and Augustus (and then I cry a little bit). 

[etsy]

And my personal favorite...this fantastic quote from my favorite author, Jane Austen. This is a perfect expression of my personality. I'm probably going to get it for myself for a graduation present. 

Now all we need is someone to match these up with some clothes *cough cough*. 

Fashion Friday: Spring a ling!

Haven't done this in a little while so I figured why not... :P The official first day of spring has passed (in biting cold and roaring wind, at least here in north Jersey), and I think it's time for some spring outfit inspirations. After all, so much happens in spring (for me this year): baby prom, prom, baccalaureate, parents dinner, graduation, graduation dance, etc.

(Q: SHALL I DO A PROM SESSION?)

Without further ado, here are some of my latest faves:

(Modcloth)

This adorable top is cute yet naughty, with the twisted tie at the bottom and the lace detail on the shoulders. Pair with shortie shorts/skinny jeans and flip flops. For the extra grunge, go for short boots.

(Forever21)

Now, this is what spring is! the flowers are so refreshing, as well as the peplum bit, yet the black back color of this dress and its body con design is totally scandalous ;) Plus it's a cheapie too.

(Modcloth)

These babies are called "Beachside Breakfast in Petal"--how endearing! Just lovely! Even on a Sunday, when you're just feeling like wearing a t-shirt and a pair of old jeans, these sandals will totally brighten up your outfit! Ooh, and paint your toenails pink too, and that'd be perrrrfect.

(Francesca's)

This spring, pastel colors are so in! These pants, in light bluish mint color, are the to-go when you feel like showing off your legs :) Whether with heels or just with a pair of Keds, these pants are very cute and add a pop of color to any neutral-colored outfit!

(Francesca's)

Last but definitely not least! Feeling a little cold? (Because the weather in Jersey is just so darn unpredictable?) Throw on this sweetheart cardi and you're good to go! (Ooh, and notice how in the picture the model is sporting those cute minty blue jeans I linked above? Now you see at least one outfit option already!)

Happy spring!! Cannot cannot wait for the weather to get warmer!

xx
Vanessa :]

Ooh la la! Accessories Fashion Friday

So how was everyone's Valentine's Day? Any candlelight dinners? Roses? Or staying in with some friends, a bowl of popcorns, and a movie marathon? Either way, I hope y'all had a wonderful day :]

Since the weather's getting warmer, and spring is just around the corner, I thought I'd do an accessories Fashion Friday--it's time to take off your scarves and show off your beautiful necklaces!

Without further ado:

(Shopsosie)

This refreshing, ocean-like pop of color will go beautifully with a simple white dress :) reminds me of summer!

(Forever21)

These girly, spring-y earrings are just so cute :)

(Forever21)

This geo-patterned necklace is quirky and fun. Pair it with something totally crazy or something really simple--either way it'd be very unique!

(Lulu's)

This indie necklace is not very often seen--wear it to show off your personality!

C'est tout. Happy Friday!

xx

Vanessa :]

Fashion Friday: my obsession with polka dots

I don't think I've told you guys this before, but I am obsessed with polka dots. They are so fun and girly, and a just a little bit flirty ;) perfect to dress both up and down!

So today, since the weather is getting spring-y and the wind is soft and the sky is so blue and high (basically saying I'm in a very good mood), I decided to don my black and white polka dot dress! It's a skater dress kind of style, the top part tight and the skirt part flowing outwards--very flattering to the body indeed!

Surprisingly, my friend and roommate also decided to put on a similar outfit! 

Our lovely photographer, Amber, happened to be wearing a gray and white polka dot scarf as well (seriously, polka dot is taking over the world), so I decided to snap a pic with her too :)

Some of my favorite polka dot pieces:

(Lulu's)

(Lulu's)

(Free People)

(Urban Outfitters)

(Urban Outfitters)

(Urban Outfitters)

So that's that. Get inspired and rock your polka dots!

xx

Vanessa :]