Swimwear dilemma

This morning I had the urge to try on all of my bathing suits to see which ones I would bring with me to San Diego (just two weeks away!). But I realized they're all too big/I hate them all! I need to find a bathing suit ASAP. But my problem is when it comes to swimwear, I am super picky. And I'm not about to spend $200 on a bikini I'll only wear for one week this summer. I only found one I could actually see myself wearing, so I'd love to hear your suggestions!


(Photo from Victoria's Secret)

Fashion obsession of the day

Oh Marc Jacobs you've done it again! You've made me fall in love with yet again another one of your genius dresses. The empire waist, the girly ruffles, the exposed zipper, the whimsical print-what's not to adore?


(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

This wool jacket is drama, drama, drama. The high neck and cascading ruffles make a serious statement. Pair it with riding boots and dark skinny jeans for a super chic look. I know, I know - it's still summer, but this might have to be my first purchase for fall.


(Photo from Anthropologie)

Fashion obsession of the day

I'm going to visit friends in San Diego in just two weeks, and I'm on the hunt for the perfect tank dress to wear to the beach, drink margaritas in and walk around the city in. This dress might just be the one. So simple, yet so much potential. For the day it's perfect with flat sandals and a pair of Ray Bans, and at night with a statement necklace.


(Photo from Nordstrom)

Offbeat brides

As somewhat of a fashion risk-taker, my wedding dress will be no different. (No, I'm not engaged, but what girl doesn't dream about her dress?) I've never been one to fantasize about poofy ball gowns, elaborate beading or extra long trains. And recently a friend asked for my opinion on alternative, affordable wedding dresses. Here are some gorgeous options (not including the Rachel Pally Greek goddess gown I posted a couple days ago). I'll probably have a second post I've found so many gorgeous ones!


(Sunner ruffle front dress from Shopbop)


(BCBG strapless floral applique dress from Nordstrom)


(Cynthia Rowley tulle ballerina dress from Shopbop)


(ABS One shoulder puff sleeve dress from Nordstrom)


(Jill Stuart draped back dress from Shopbop)


(Catherine Malandrino strapless corsage dress from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

These Marc by Marc Jacobs flats feature his spunky mascot, Miss Marc. And on the heel is an adorable, cartoonish bird. I love these with a pair of slim knit pants (a la Audrey Hepburn) and a ruffle-front button down blouse.


(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

At $95 for a t-shirt, it better be pretty fabulous. Well this slouchy tee from Elizabeth and James is. The print on the tee is a love letter for New York City. "I have fallen for you New York, You are my air." This is exactly how I've been feeling lately about New York. I have a serious crush on him, and it's only a matter of time before we hook up.


(Photo from Bloomingdales)

Fashion obsession of the day

Call me quirky (although I think you already know that about me), but I love this swing tank from Anthropologie. The cat and floral print adds whimsy to one of my favorite shapes this summer. Pair it with denim bermudas and flat gladiator sandals and you're ready for a Saturday afternoon. I think it needs a headband, too - just to make it extra quirky!





(Photos from Anthropologie)

Fashion obsession of the day

Wouldn't this Rachel Pally jersey maxi dress make such a cute, casual wedding dress? It's under $250 and you can wear it more than once. I just love finding beautiful (and cheap!) wedding dress alternatives.


(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

One of my goals for this year was to stop buying massive amounts of cheap clothes that I wear twice and then hate. Not to mention cheaply made clothes get ruined after two wash cycles. Instead I made a promise that I would spend my money on quality pieces I love - pieces I can wear for years (as long as I stay away from the Ben and Jerry's) that won't go out of style. However, I might have to make an exception for this strapless button dress from Forever 21. As I've mentioned before, I have an unhealthy obsession with all things buttons and summer dresses. Maybe this time I can make an exception for a cheap, but cute, dress.


(Photo from Forever21)

Fashion obsession of the day

This Navajo inspired embroidered handbag is a perfect swap for your daily oversized (OK, luggage sized) bag for a dinner or walking around town. It will fit all the necessities: phone, keys, lip gloss and money. The print on the backside of the bag is just as chic: brown with orange and pink rectangles. And it's on sale!


(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

Some of American Apparel's pieces are, well, questionable. But this oversized scoop back dress is unquestionably stylish. The fringe adds a touch of 70s quirkiness, but doesn't go over the top. I love the white with these Dolce Vita gladiator sandals And another plus: it's made from their comfy cotton jersey.




(Photos from American Apparel and Nordstrom)

Love at first bike

These bikes from Electra Bicycle Company are fashion on wheels. With the baskets, bells and streamers, these adorable cruiser bikes bring back memories of my childhood bike. I'm in the market for a bike to ride around town, and one of these might just be the one. The best part about them is that when you stop, your feet are able to touch flat on the ground. I bet I'd wake up every morning excited to get on one of these beauties!







(Photos from Electra Bicycle Company)

Fashion obsession of the day

Have you ever seen something so beautiful, so indulgent, your heart skips a beat? You have to hold yourself back from becoming overcome with lust, from typing in your credit card digits and waiting patiently for the package to hit your front porch. It's love, but it's oh so wrong. That's exactly how I feel about these Miu Miu sparkle platform pumps. The gold glitter and black velvet bow are dazzling and entrancing. Yes, I put them in my shopping cart, but at $570, there's no way my poor journalist salary could ever justify the purchase. A girl can dream.


(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Fashion obsession of the day

This embroidered cardigan from Anthropologie is a little bit quirky with its parrot print and flutter sleeves. But this is the perfect example of why I love Anthropologie. It mixes ecclectic prints with chic shapes for women (like me!) who love taking fashion risks without sporting leather leggings.


(Photo from Anthropologie)

Fashion obsession of the day

I kind of love how this tank is a little bit slutty and casual at the same time.


(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

When I stepped into my closet this beautiful Friday morning, this dress is exactly what I was hoping to find. But alas, it was only wishful thinking.


(Photo from Nordstrom)

Fashion obsession of the day

I love the trend of taking masculine pieces and adding feminine details and tailoring. This buffalo-check top takes a rugged classic and makes it chic.


(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

I've never been a huge fan of Judith Leiber's luxury bedazzled purses, but alas, one that I'm gaga over. How can you not love this cupcake clutch?


(Photo from Net-A-Porter)

Fashion obsession of the day

This super bright, totally 80s combo dress is so hot. Wear it with flats to downplay the sexiness and up the cuteness.


(Photo from Need Supply Co.)

Etsy fashion finds

I could spend hours browsing through the handmade wonders of Etsy. There are some seriously talented artists selling their work on Etsy, including fashion designers. Here are some of my favorite finds.

(Photo from Sarah Seven)


(Photo from Emily Ryan)


(Photo from Claire La Faye)


(Photo from Lulu Finder)

Fashion obsession of the day

This new wrap dress from Diane von Furstenberg says everything: "Love is life/Life is love." It also reminds me of one of my favorite and most iconic outfits from Sex and the City. In the third season, Carrie goes to apologize to Natasha for ruining her marriage. It's a turning point in Carrie's life, and as she walks away in slow motion, the dress captures the scene. Needless to say, this DVF dress is a must buy for me!


(Photo from Nordstrom)

Fashion obsession of the day

French Connection is having a major sale on their Web site. This linen embroidered babydoll dress is on sale for $139.99. And the best part? It has patch pockets! (I kind of have an obsession with pockets.)


(Photo from French Connection)

Pet tie

My cat would murder me if I tried to put this on her. But so adorable in theory!


(Photo from Whiskerkisses)

Shoe find

My new Sam Edelman gladiator sandals came in the mail yesterday, and today my only goal is to break them in. I think walking to Goodness Cakes Bakery to get one of their mini cupcakes is the best way to do this!


(Photo from Nordstrom)

Fashion obsession of the day

My ultimate brand loyalty is to Marc Jacobs. His collections are quirky, chic and timeless. Almost every time I splurge on a purchase it's for one of his pieces. This adorable new dress has a short, whimsical skirt and a vintage conservative top. I love it with these white flats and headband.




(Photos from Bloomingdales, Shopbop and Forever 21)

Fashion obsession of the day

Don't you just love these knit jersey pants? They're sooo Audrey Hepburn!

(Photo from J. Crew)