Fashion obsession of the day

I've been searching for the perfect casual tote, and this is it. I spotted this canvas tote yesterday on A Cup of Jo and it is so perfect for summer flea markets, carrying your lunch or just as an adorable catchall for items that won't fit in your purse. Ooh la la!

(Photo from Chip Chop)

Fashion obsession of the day

My trip to Europe is just four weeks away and it's literally all I can think about. So obviously this striped Eiffel Tower sweater caught my eye. I can't believe I will actually be seeing it in person. A total dream come true.

(Photo from Topshop)

Fashion obsession of the day

My Wednesday tradition of posting gorgeous yet totally unaffordable pieces continues today with this ruffled Valentino trench. Perfect for rainy spring days and as evening outerwear. Tres chic.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Fashion obsession of the day

So I think Marc Jacobs should hire me as an official endorser. There aren't many pieces of his I dislike and just so many I adore. This mod inspired sweater dress is casual sexy MJ at his best. And the pockets and sunshine yellow color blocking are total irresistible.

(Photo from Nordstrom)

Fashion obsession of the day

Every once in great while a handbag comes along that I absolutely must have. I love handbags as much as they next girl, but I get attached to mine, carrying the same one for a year or two and then moving on. I've been carrying a black Marc by MJ bag for over a year now, and surprise, surprise, my new love is also a MJ. This eggplant leather bag is lined with hot pink hearts and chic chrome hardware. And that bow! This would look amazing on my shoulder in Europe.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)

Beautiful weekend

I told myself I wouldn't give in to spring fever, and look what happened this weekend. The sun here in Upstate New York was just too beautiful to ignore. I finally got out on my pink bike, walked through the cemetery and even thought about swapping out my winter coat. But spring will be here in a few more weeks. I don't know about you but I can't wait.

Fashion obsession of the day

I love just about everything from Free People. Their design aesthetic is carefree, comfy, boho chic. And this striped cotton jacket is all of those things. Throw this on for work, a lazy Saturday or even a night out with the girls. It's just that versatile.

(Photo from Bloomingdales)

Fashion obsession of the day

Can a t-shirt be sexy? This corset inspired tee proves they can be. And it might just be the perfect "it's just a jeans a t-shirt" (but I really wanted to try and look cute) top.

(Photo from Anthropologie)

Fashion obsession of the day

So impractical, yet so gorgeous. This ombre feather skirt from Haute Hippie is made from real ostrich feathers and so unique. But I can't think of an occasion to wear this more than once a year. Sigh. Some expensive purchases are much easier to justify (a DVF wrap dress, a Marc Jacobs handbag), but this is one I'll just have to drool over.

(Photo from Nordstrom)

Fashion obsession of the day

So simple, so sexy. I think I need this dress. I love the off the shoulder look right now (maybe it's the 80s child in me), and the slouchy top and fitted mini. Pairing different fits really balance out the look and tone down the skank factor. Yup, I said skank.

(Photo from Shopbop)

Happy Valentine's Day

(Photo from Sioactiva)

Fashion obsession of the day

Doesn't this dress just make you want to smile? And another reason to smile? It's Friday! Hope you a romantic Valentine's Day weekend. And if you're single, treat yourself to a cupcake and a trip to the mall (this trumps my plans!).

(Photo from Mod Cloth)

The loss of a fashion icon

Instead of my daily fashion obsession, I'm going to dedicate this post to the loss of a fashion icon, an innovator, a true artist and my first ever fashion obsession, Alexander McQueen. Just days before London fashion week, the British designer was found dead of an apparent suicide. My earliest fashion memories revolve around McQueen. When I was 11 or 12, I would wake up early every Saturday morning to watch Fashion File on E! (do you remember that show?). In between mimicking the models' walks in my living room clad in my flannel PJs, almost every episode would include an excerpt of an Alexander McQueen fashion show. Although I couldn't quite grasp the genius of his work, I knew even then it was something special. His bizarre world of head pieces, dramatic designs and crazy tall shoes (see Lady Gaga, "Bad Romance") was truly inspiring and one-of-a-kind.

(Photo via Zimbio)

Fashion obsession of the day

I know it's wrong to like this duct tape inspired dress, but I do. I really do. There's something incredibly sexy and bad ass about it. I almost wish the duct tape looked like it was covering up the lady parts. I mean, if you're going to design a dress like this, you should just go for it. And if I was Rihanna's stylist, this would definitely be something I'd pull for her.

(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

So I literally just remembered Valentine's Day is this weekend. Busy much? Well I don't know about you, but j'adore lingerie. Why not give your man a gift he won't forget (and one that adds to your own closet)? This mint green silk slip is demurely sexy, lounge around the house functional and if you're feeling risky, could also double as a dress.

(Photo from Anthropologie)

Fashion obsession of the day

As much as I love a lumberjack flannel or my boyfriend's baggy t-shirt, I'm a girly girl. And there's nothing more girly as bows (except for maybe bows, ruffles and flowers altogether). This blouse from Topshop takes the feminine detail to a creative new design - cascading down the sleeves.

(Photo from Topshop)

Beautiful weekend

Anyone else believe a three-day weekend will make the world a better place? I feel like I blink and Saturday and Sunday are over. This weekend I went back to my part-time job for the first time in over a month, so that tired me out. Saturday night we went bowling. I'm absolutely horrible - but it was fun all the same. Sunday was cleaning, baking and cheesy tater tots for the big game (recipe here). Although I am not a fan of football, it was great to root for the underdog and see them win. And I'm totally in love with the Google ad that ran last night. Inspiring work.

Fashion obsession of the day

The spring catalogs are beginning to appear in my mailbox, including one of my favorites, J. Crew. This spring is a mix of slouchy, boyfriend inspired pieces mixed with feminine touches like floral prints and pastels. I absolutely need these slouchy denim shorts. The fit is comfortable and modern, and the length is long enough for me to avoid the constant pulling down, and to wear while riding my bike. The styling on this look is spot on, too - the comfy tee paired with the feminine accessories is so easy yet so chic. All its missing is a pair of distressed canvas sneakers.

(Photo from J. Crew)

Fashion obsession of the day

Hello beautiful. Talk about a burst of sunshine. These caged sandals from Giuseppe Zanotti are the ultimate accessory. Adorned with Sworovski crystals and a 4 1/2 inch heel, these shoes need to stand out on their own. Wear them with a plain, but slinky, solid colored dress and absolutely no jewelry. And if you can afford these, will you please adopt me?

(Photo from Shopbop)

Fashion obsession of the day

One shoulder tops are my latest love. I'm on the hunt for the perfect one bare shoulder, one long sleeve top. This plain black one shoulder top from Elizabeth and James has serious potential (except for the price). And there are so many accessories that would transform it: a giant flower pin, a turquoise statement necklace, a gold fringe necklace. I've yet to find a similar top for less, so keep your eye out for me.

(Photo from Bloomingdales)

One of those days ...

Because I was experimenting with my vintage 35mm SLR camera this weekend, I barely took out my digital. Once I figure the camera out and get the pictures on a CD I will definitely share. I can't wait to take it with me to Europe and load up on black and white film. Hopefully by then I'll know how to use it. Hope you all had a beautiful weekend.

(Photo via ffffound)

Fashion obsession of the day

I'm feeling a bit under the weather today and am taking a mental health day to gather my thoughts and maybe even be creative. But you know what always makes me feel better? Ogling beautiful pieces like this flirty knit sweater dress from Moschino Cheap and Chic. I like to think the huge pink heart represents how unselfish women can be - sometimes to a fault. In this dress, you definitely wear your heart on the outside of your chest - or breasts - whichever way you want to look at it.

(Photo from Net-a-Porter)