Get the Look: Bowler Bags

1. Zara Mustard Bowler / 2. Urban Outfitters Blue Satchel  / 3. Dorothy Perkins Oxford Bowler / 4. Mango Studded Bowling Bag / 5. H&M Navy Bag with Gold Zippers / 6. Dorothy Perkins Red Front Pocket Bowler / 7. Forever 21 Croc Boston Bag  / 8. Melie Bianco Estela Bag

This fall, it seems that every bag on my wish list resembles a bowling bag, and as much as I would love to take a beautiful Givenchy bag home with me, that just is not what is in my crystal ball (plus I have a feeling it wouldn't play nice with all of my non-designer handbags). In the meantime, here are some great options, all under $100 - holla! 

Which one is your favorite?! I am loving the navy option from H&M - looks so luxe! Any other handbags your coveting for fall? I'd love to know!

A Chambray Fall

 The amount of times that I wear this chambray top is slightly concerning - especially  to those who interact with me on a daily basis and may be wondering if I have enough time to wash in between wears. The answer is yes, although just barely. 

It only seemed appropriate that I usher in the first day of fall with my favorite shirt and an outfit that was copied inspired by this picture that has been sitting on my Pinterest board for awhile. 

Old Eddie Bauer (I know, crazy!) chambray shirt, loving Madewell's version / J.Crew Factory white jeans / old leopard belt, similar here / J.Crew wedge boots / old military jacket from H&M, love this embellished version / Warby Parker Downing Sunglasses 

I Believe In // Stopping to Smell the Roses

This week while re-reading one of my all time favorite books, Ragamuffin Gospel (so dang good!), I was struck by this quote: 

"we get so preoccupied with ourselves, the words we speak, the plans and projects we conceive that we become immune to the glory of creation". 

This was one of those quotes that stopped me in my tracks because it is so true - at least for me. I am a perpetual planner - I am already thinking about plans for next weekend, what is going on the grocery list that I won't write until Saturday, & our travel plans for my sister-in-law's wedding in May (I've said it before, I know I am nuts). While planning can have it's perks, it also causes me to miss out the world around me because I'm so focused on what is next. So this weekend, I plan to take some of my own advice and enjoy the beauty that surrounds me in dearest mother nature - a picturesque (or should I say instagramable?) sunset, the crisp fall air, the warmth of the sun, and the beginning of changing leaves. 

Image via.

Wanderlust Wednesday // Boston

Tea Floral Blazer /  Jeweled Oxford / Leopard Print iPhone Case / Denim Skater Skirt / Pebbles Bootie / Cassidy Weekender / Image via

For some reason,  cooler temperatures have left me craving a trip out east to roam history-filled, brick-lined streets. In my mind, the perfect city for a fall  expedition out east is Boston - a city that is rich with history and has proven it's resilience and courage in the past year. 

If I were headed to Boston, I'd pack classic pieces that had a little bit of edge - the jeweled oxford and jean skirt feel appropriate, but fresh at the same time. Also loving the weekender from Sole Society - looks beautiful and the price is fab!

Any trips to Boston recently? What did you pack? Any must-see places?!

Get the Look: Mara Hoffman

1. Shop Ruche Pleated Dress 2. Topshop Floral Digital Tank 3. MINKPINK Wanderer Coat 4. Nasty Gal Lush Life Skirt 5. Topshop Flower Print Blouse 6. H&M Printed Skirt 7. Nasty Gal Lavish Dress 8. Topshop Leopard Print Tunic Dress

 Mara Hoffman has been one of my favorite designers ever since I saw a bikini of hers all over Pinterest. Her use of color and pattern to make unique, beautiful pieces feels so fresh (and makes we want to travel to Miami for some reason?). Her spring collection that I stalked was no exception, and left me wanting just about everything. 

Then reality hits. And reality is not always so nice. While I would instantly snatch up every Mara Hoffman item if I could, this girl is ballin' on a budget (and I do mean and legit clothes budget) and good ole Mara Hoffman is just going to have to sit tight until that number skyrockets. Until that sweet day, we're going with the philosophy of "fake it 'till you make it" - here are some great looks that I think embody the Mara Hoffman style - enjoy!

Print Mix

A lesson I've learned recently: when in doubt, throw on as many prints as you can. My phiolosphy is that when you mismatch so much, it might actually work? Am I crazy? The answer is probably yes, but fashion should be fun and that is one thing this outfit is not lacking. 

I threw this outfit on yesterday for church, and decided to keep it on (chalk it up to lazy Sunday) for a acoustic Citizen Cope concert last night. While there, I quickly realized I was literally the brightest-dressed person in the room - hey, at least I didn't have to fear getting lost! Quick side note about Citizen Cope - one of my favorites, and judging from last night, one of the most humble artists. 

Stitchwork stripe top from J.Crew / Gap polka dot pants, similar here and here / Zara city bag / Tommy Hilfiger oxfords, great options from Modcloth & PacSun

I Believe In // Girlfriends

You know the expression "friends are the family you get to choose"? (I know, real corny). I had always heard this expression growing up, but never fully understood it until I got to college. Corny as it may be, it's so true - for 3 years during college, I got to live with eight girls that I can honestly say are my family, and who have a huge chunk of my heart. When people still want to be friends with you after they've seen your ugly side - you know the "let the tea kettle whistle for hours when others are sleeping-get really hangry-always running late-terrible at contributing to group chores" side, you know you've found some serious for-life friends. 

With one of my best friends' bridal showers this weekend, I will get to see all of these beautiful friends of mine and I couldn't be more ecstatic. I'm looking forwarding to celebrating, laughing until I cry, reliving the glory days, and sharing life.