Find of the Day: The Ruffle Maxi ($40.50)

Alright guys, it's time for another fab find of the day!  Today's featured item isn't as affordable as usual, BUT it's seriously one of the cutest and most flattering skirts I've ever worn or seen for that matter.  ASOS, you did it again!  The high-rise waist makes you look hella fit and creates the illusion of longer legs (!!!) On top of that, the semi-sheer mesh detailing is beyond cute - oh, and don't worry, the piece is lined up top so you're keeping it PG. But seriously though, aren't the tiered ruffles totally adorable? I love how they cascade down!  

I paired the skirt with a black crop and belted it with yet another ASOS find. For those of you interested, the belt's still available for $28.  You can adjust the length and wear it on your hips or waist.  Yay for versatility!  To finish things off, I threw on sky high heels and carried my fave Chanel.

Other cute maxi skirts for your lusting pleasure:

 Skirt:  ASOS (40.50) || Belt:  ASOS ($28) || Shoes:  Aldo || Bag:  Chanel || Top:  BCBG (similar)

Photos shot by the amazing Sung Shin!

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Editorial: Prickly Thorn, but Sweetly Worn

Hey guys, it's time for another editorial on SS.  I'm beyond pumped to share today's post with you guys - it's the first of three fabulous shoots I did with the incredible Jared Wolfe in his new studio in Alexandria, VA.  His work is always amazing, but these shots are my favorite by far!  I can't wait to show you guys the rest!  Stay tuned for lots of awesome things to come.

I'm wearing so many of my favorites in today's post.  I told you guys all about my boots HERE a while back so let's skip that and start with my new statement necklace courtesy of JWholesale!  I can't even begin to tell you guys how cute this piece is. I own a bajillion of their baubles, but this takes the cake, and it's even cuter in person!

My new dress is from Gentle Fawn.  You guys should be familiar with them already - since I've featured them on SS several times in the past - but if you need a refresher, they're all about steeze (style + ease).  Their designs are effortlessly fashionable and ooze quality with their fabrics and construction.  I seriously want everything they sell! Have you guys come across their brand in stores yet?

Other fabulous tunic-dresses for your browsing pleasure (under $75):

Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR || Necklace:  c/o JWholesale || Dress:  c/o Gentle Fawn

Shot by the amazing Jared Wolfe.  To book a session with him, hit him up here.

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Stand Inside Your Love

Man, it's REALLY freaking cold outside!  PGH winters are straight up brutal so my mom and I are totally hibernating inside our warm and cozy home.  We got a little bored though so we decided to do an impromptu shoot indoors.  I centered today's post around three new fabulous closet additions:  my trollbeads bangle (with all new charms), my slouchy beige knit, and huge platform pumps (both from AMICLUBWEAR).

I wore my sweater dress as an off-the-shoulder piece.  This particular item has thigh-high slits so if you're looking to wear this baby out, you're definitely going to want to wear leggings or pants underneath.  It's really a fabulous color though!  It goes with everything and oozes sophistication.

Other fabulous sweater dresses under $50: 

A closer look at my Trollbeads bangle.  Their Winter Wonder collection is seriously goals.  If you're looking for a fabulous last minute holiday gift, head on over to their store STAT!  They seriously carry something for everyone, and pretty jewelry's usually a pretty good bet for ladies of all ages.  Let me know if you have any questions or concerns! I'd be happy to lend you my expertise.

Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR || Dress:  AMICLUBWEAR || Bangle:  Trollbeads

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Adventures in Old Town Alexandria

Oh how I love bargain buys.  I copped this poncho at the Banana Republic Factory Outlet for $10 during Black Friday sales - did I mention that blowouts make me ridiculously happy?  I always find good deals at BR so I make sure to hit 'em up every time I head to the Grove City outlet mall.  I actually got 5 pieces there for $50 total - yep, that's right, $10 a pop (!!!!) - that time.

Anywho, I shot today's post in Old Town Alexandria with my friend, Sung Shin.  I had never gone there before so I was stoked to explore.  I'm really glad he suggested OTA because it was such a cute place!  I can't wait to go back - we were only there for a few hours so I didn't get to see nearly enough.

I wanted to take action shots so I decided to spin around this lamp post...which turned out to be a terrible idea.  You guys have no idea how hard it was, and on top of it all, it was REALLY cold outside so my fingers totally froze, ha.  So, if you see me laughing hysterically below, it's because I was failing so hardcore.

...like here, ha!

Shop my look:

A full body shot for you guys!

A close-up shot of one of my favorite everyday bags!  To see more of my designer bag collection check out, "A Peek Into My Closet:  My Bag Collection."

Poncho:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet || Shoes:  5/48 via Off 5th || Jeans:  c/o Riders by Lee || Bag:  Prada || Necklace:  JWholesale || Sunnies:  Freyrs

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My Current Favorite Over-the-Knee Boots

Oh man, I can't even begin to tell you guys how awesome these shoes are.  I am straight up obsessed with these over-the-knee boots.  I've been lusting for a pair for god knows how long, BUT I wasn't ready to drop serious $$$ on them so I controlled my shopping urges.  Lucky for me, I found an affordable version at Amiclubwear.  Black's no longer available - they (unfortunately) sold out a few days ago - but they still carry 'em in royal blue, burgundy, and olive.  They're surprisingly comfortable for sky high heels, so naturally, I HIGHLY recommend checking them out.  It also doesn't hurt that they're on sale for $31!  

Getting my strut on!  I was actually really hungry when I shot this look so if my face looks a bit off, it's probably because I was crazy hangry, ha.  Luckily, Sung and I finished quickly and headed over to Springfield, VA to get our nom on at The Halal Guys.  If you haven't tried their platters out yet, you need to drop EVERYTHING you're doing and head on over stat.  Like, I'm not messing around! Their mixed platters (lamb + chicken) are the bomb.com.  

I used to live in NYC - I got my master's degree in piano performance at Juilliard back in the day - and cnr (aka chicken 'n rice aka what the cool kids call it) was how I treated myself weekly.  If I had a bad day, I walked on over to their food cart and stuffed my face with zero shame whatsoever.  I know it sounds really basic, but everything's cooked to perfection, and the sauces are to DIE for.  Every time I go, the workers there think I'm going to die because I get SO much hot sauce, but I always live to tell the tale!  In all seriousness though, go easy on the spice if you're trying it for the first time - it's pretty ridiculous.

I'm so glad that they went global though.  It's a ways drive from my place, but that's probably a good thing, ha. It would've been great for my taste buds but terrible for my diet!  Have you guys tried their food?  Who here's a fan of food trucks?  Also, if you live in the DMV, what restaurants do you recommend? I'm always looking to try new things so drop me a line below!

Other lace-up pieces that slay:

Sweater Dress:  AMICLUBWEAR ($15.75) || Shoes:  AMICLUBWEAR || Jacket:  Sosie (similar) || Bag:  YSL

 Photos shot by the incredibly talented Sung Shin.

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Spreading Some Serious Christmas Cheer

T-minus 4 days until Christmas!  Who else is excited?  Hopefully you guys are all done with your holiday shopping by now.  In honor of the upcoming holiday, Sung and I decided to shoot today's featured outfit in front of a magnificent x-mas tree.  How many of you guys have real trees set up in your homes? Are you big on decorating or are you a minimalist like me?  

Anywho, I decided to bling myself out for today's OOTD.  I centered my look around a festive mini - sequins just scream Christmas to me - and paired it with a matching lace-up top.  I threw on a drape jacket to add a bit of warmth and wore black tights and boots to create the illusion of longer legs.

A closer look at details!  I totally splurged on my Chanel boy, but there are a bunch of other fabulous options available that cost a fraction of the price, like this Rebecca Minkoff design.  I've totally been drooling over these designs:  Denim Love and Velvet Love.  What do you guys think - hot or not?

Other gorg sequined pieces that are perfect for the holidays:

 Skirt:  H&M (similar) || Jacket:  Spiegel (similar) || Top:  H&M || Shoes:  Shop June July || Bag:  Chanel (look for less)

 Photos shot by the incredible Sung Shin.

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'Tis the Season for Giving: Getting My Holiday Shop On with Riders® by Lee®

I'm so beyond excited to share my latest post, sponsored by Riders® by Lee®!  I'll be telling you guys all about the ensemble I wore last weekend.  I was out getting my shop on so I wore a comfy - but stylish - look for the occasion.  Christmas is right around the corner, which is awesome but also quite stressful because malls are ridiculously crowded this time of year.  I decided to go super early to beat the crowd, but it didn't really make much of a difference!  I guess everyone else was thinking that, too.  Hashtag great minds think alike? Ha.

I have to say though, I went prepared this time!  Last year, I wore sky high boots - don't ask me why - and a short sweater dress and totally suffered.  I spent a good 30 minutes standing at each store just waiting to checkout so my feet were pretty much dead at the end of the day...I'm literally wincing just thinking about it.  So, for this year's holiday shopping spree, I decided to go with a casual-cool vibe. I threw on my fave Riders® by Lee® jeans and paired them with a quasi-layered striped top and stylish utility jacket.

I'm seriously obsessed with Riders® by Lee® Bounce Back Denim.  I can't even begin to tell you guys how comfy these skinnies are! Available in both black and blue, these babies conform to your bod and keep their shape all day without bagging or sagging (think stretch that keeps its shape).  They sit right below your waist, mid-rise style so you don't have to worry about a muffin top or anything along those lines.

This goes without saying, but good jeans are hard to find!  So, when you find an affordable brand with fab styles that won't break the bank, you definitely want to take advantage and stock up.  I, personally, have always been a huge fan of skinny jeans.  I love dressing them up & down, for any and every occasion.  

If you're more into bootcut or straight jeans, you'll want to check these versions out at either your local WalMart or K-mart. They're all mid-rise, but trust me, that's a good thing.  I always go for mid + high rises because they're a bajillion times more comfortable and form-flattering.  TIP:  if you're looking to visually slim your figure, go for a darker wash!  Oh, and I recommend buying two pairs so you can get one hemmed for flats and one hemmed for heels.  Where do you guys usually like to buy your jeans?  And what's your favorite style?

Here's a full body shot for you guys.  I went easy on the accessory front today because I wanted to keep things simple but couldn't resist throwing on a fabulous pair of tortoiseshell cat-eyes.  Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and colors!  You'll seriously upgrade your look in a matter of seconds.

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin and sponsored by Riders® by Lee®.

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Showing Serious Poncho Love

Excited to feature yet another fabulous piece from Stitch Fix on SS.  I centered today's entire OOTD around my new poncho!  I'm a huge fan of neutral shades so this piece tickles my fancy in every way possible.  I paired it with gray pants + accessories for a simple yet stylish look - I borrowed my mom's YSL for the occasion (to see MY designer collection, click here).

Other fabulous ponchos under $100: 

Now, before I leave y'all, I have to tell you guys about my new skinny jeans.  I picked them up at Aero during Black Friday for $14, and I seriously can't get enough of 'em.  I actually bought 5 different pairs (various cuts) because they fit me so well.  I loved that they hit me right at the ankle! I'm on the shorter side so I always have to cuff my jeans up, which is fine and all, but it'd be nice not to have to every once in a while.

Anywho, I feel like Aero has kind of a bad rep.  I know that most of their stuff is high-schooly in nature, but their jeans are second to none.  If you're looking for comfy + stylish denim, you seriously need to hit them up.  Well, them and Stitch Fix!  They both sell magical jeans that hug your curves like nobody's business!

Jeans:  Aeropostale || Bag:  YSL (borrowed) || Poncho:  c/o Stitch Fix

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Keeping it Casual on the Daily

Excited to share another fall-friendly look with you guys today!  I'm all about casual cool for my latest post, anddddd like my last blast, I'm wearing Stitch Fix from head to toe, ha.  Don't judge me, guys.  Their clothing's just too freakin' cute.

Anywho, I centered my latest around a blue/gray color scheme!  I started with a simple striped shirt and threw on a drape cardigan to match.  I thought about wearing gray pants, but decided to keep things more casual with jeans.  What do you guys wear to run errands?  How do you execute casual on the regular?

My feeble attempt at twirling!  This was totally weaksauce.  I promise to step my game up next time, ha.

Cardi + Top + Bag:  c/o Stitch Fix || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Necklace:  J Wholesale || Shoes:  Wild Diva (similar)

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