New Sunnies!

A surprise package arrived for me in the mail yesterday and I had to share!

1.  the Kate Spade packaging made me really happy

2.  I LOVE the green lining to these fun new sunglasses 

3.  I wasn't even looking for a new pair, but these glases are a great addition to my collection!  I think the best gifts are the ones that you get plenty of use from, but you wouldn't buy yourself!

Seeing Spots for Fall

Leopard print can be totally glamorous and classy (see above) or, it can be extremely tacky.  Regardless,  it's a versatile print that seems to stick with the fashion world year after year.  This fall the animal print seems to be getting extra coverage from mainstream retailers.  J.Crew seemed to work it into almost every look in their fall catalog, and it was also all over Banana Republic's Mad Men collection.

I've always preferred leopard print as a simple accent, like classic shoes or a bag. So, if you are weary about the animal print,  try it out in accessories:

Here are some fun options that could spruce up a fall wardrobe:

1.  French Sole India Leopard Pony Ballet Shoes ($155 at  asos.com)

2.  Mad Men Collection Leopard Print belt ($50 at Banana Republic)

3.  Sheer Leopard Print Blouse ($33 at ModCloth)

4.  Leopard Print Flap Over Clutch ($45 at TopShop)

5.  Minicci Leopard-Print Scarf ($13 at Payless)

6.  Diane Von Furstenberg Leopard Hair Calf April Pumps ($295 at Bloomingdales)

7. Mad Men Leopard Print Trench ($198 at Banana Republic)

8.  J.Crew Edie Calf-hair Tote ($620 at Net-a-Porter)

Work Totes Worth the Splurge

Carrying a laptop to work everyday can be a total pain and on top of that, most work bags aren't very glamorous. (I even considered a backpack!) So, when a friend asked for help finding a good "go-to" bag that would work both for the office and beyond, I started thinking about what makes a good carry-all.  In my mind, the perfect "work bag" is one that looks and feels like a handbag, but can also fit a laptop and other day-to-day essentials.    Here are my current picks for stylish work bags that are worth a bit of a splurge: 

1. Black Radley London Earlsfield Work Tote  ($398)  

2. Red Lodis Audrey Zip Top Tote Bag ($255)

3. Tory Burch Mae Leather & Suede Tote Bag ($695)

4. Maxmara Tan Tote ($845)

5. Marc by Marc Jacobs Lady Army Green Leather Tote Bag ($455)

6. Kate SpadeBlack Vanston Maryclare Tote ($525) 

Oops! Lots of Loot from a Quick Shopping Trip

A friend mentioned to me that Forever 21 was carrying sweatshirts for my alma mater and with the impending football season, I couldn't resist stopping by to check them out. Despite my age, I often stop in to Forever 21 for a couple trendy (and extremely affordable) pieces. And, this time I figured I'd share what I picked up. Not only did I grab a Stanford sweatshirt, but I also picked up my first maxi-dress (I saw it on a friend and couldn't resist),  a great polka dot top for work, a sleeveless trench, and some fun earrings, all for under $100!

Here is my loot:

Only expecting to pick up a sweatshirt, I was surprised when I also found a few pieces at H&M; taking home an awesome pleated polka dot skirt and a fun "stone" bracelet (in the top photo).

I guess I'm going to have to avoid spending for a few weeks in order to save up for some key fall items I have in mind.

West Elm Takes a Cue from Anthropologie

I just had to share... You know I love colorful dishes, and these new West Elm dishes are the latest on my wish list. (I actually need to pick up some coffee/tea mugs, but I'm having decision anxiety.)

They remind me of this set that I have had my eye on at Anthropogie.  I love the price point at West Elm so I'm hoping this is a sign that they will be coming out with more fun and colorful decor items.