ShoeMint Loafers

Call me crazy, but I am digging these loafers from ShoeMint for the fall.

Free iPhone Flower Wallpaper

Considering that we look at our smart phones dozens of times a day, why not throw on an attractive graphic as your wallpaper to give you a little sight for sore eyes? I'm digging this free iPhone floral wallpaper from Parima Studio.

Engagement Ring Home Try-On Service

I still have weddings on the brain after Jared's mom's perfect garden wedding last weekend. In my post-wedding splendor, I came across a brilliant service that Ocappi, an online jewelry store, offers.  With Ocappi's Home Try-On Service, you can select up to six rings and they'll send you the settings with cubic zirconia stones. You get to try them on within the comfort of your own home, then send the rings back after you've taken them for a test drive with no sales person breathing down your back.

Is this something you would try?

Leather Skirts Under $100

It's only August but leather skirts are taking New York City streets by storm. Bill Cunningham, a legend fashion photographer, gives it the big thumbs up and talks about the trend in this video for The New York Times.

While leather often comes with a high price tag, here are five leather skirts that are each priced under $100 (one is even under $15!).



 

(left to right: one, two, three, four, five.)

Is this trend one you might sport this fall?

(Above photo source: Pinterest)

Shine Those Boots

My Hunter boots have been in a sad, sad state since Hurricane Sandy. I've actually been fond of the scuffs and residue. They remind me of days spent in the Rockaways with my church. We helped residents by shoveling sand out of their basements, picking up moldy drywall by the handfuls and cleaning up what we could of the destruction Hurricane Sandy left behind.

But it came to the point where I knew these boots needed a little sprucing up. While Hunter sells boot buffer, I'm always looking for the inexpensive (read: free) way to get things done. I heard olive oil was great for cleaning up rain boots, so I laid out an old issue of The New York Times and got to work.

I laid my boots out flat and drizzled the olive oil along its surface. Then I scrubbed with a paper towel.

One down...



Voila! Almost as good as new.

I think if I had a few episodes of "Parks & Recreation" playing in the background and spent more time scrubbing the nooks and crannies, the boots really would look brand new. But hey, they're looking pretty good for 20 minutes and a bottle of oil!

Stackable Gold Rings

I can't get enough of this year's trend of gold rings. While attending an event at BaubleBar two weeks ago, I had a hard time peeling myself away from the ring table, where there were the perfect thin, delicate pieces!



 

Left: Edie Stackable Rings ($65); Right: Gold Midi Band ($22)

Etsy has some great options as well. I'll take any one of these!

Stackable Rings ($17)

(Above photo from WeHeartIt.com)

My Style Obsessions: Lea Leydsman

Design, Life and Style's Lea Leydsman is a Jersey girl living in...Provo, Utah. So when it comes to style, she's all about pulling together looks that are sophisticated and sexy with an East Coast flair.

"I stay away from extreme trends," she says, "but I also like to have fun with what I wear."

Leydsman is giving us the goods on five pieces she's loving having in her closet this summer.



1. Sam Edelman 'Alva' Sandal ($140)  I love a shoe that is unique and eye catching. The Sam Edelman Alva Sandal definitely has both of those qualities. The laser-cut detailing is so cool and on trend.  This is a shoe that you will get compliments on over and over again!

2. J. Crew's Midrise Toothpick Jeans ($135) This summer, my go-to pants have been a good pair of distressed jeans. Whether a boyfriend jean or a skinny jean, a pair of denim with the right amount of wear and tear can be sexy and chic at the same time.

3. ASOS Midi Dress In Floral Print With Buttoned Waist ($71) I love ASOS for their trendy clothing at awesome prices. Also, you can't beat free shipping worldwide! This floral midi dress is perfect for a summer evening and can transition well in to fall, making it even more of a great deal! It is feminine and flattering, two things a girl always needs in a good dress.

4. Onyx Bamboo Ring Trip ($26) This is by far my favorite accessory trend right now. I love stacking my rings because it gives me an opportunity to really get creative. Try mixing different metals, stones, and designs to create a custom look!

5. Brooklyn Foldover Clutch ($130)  I have fallen in love with fold-over clutches. If there is one thing that I look for when I make a purchase, it is versatility, and a good clutch will be able to go from day to night with ease. Check out K. Slademade for hand-crafted, high-quality clutches and bags that are made right here in the USA!

 

My Style Obsessions: Kirsten Krason

Kirsten Krason, interior designer and blogger behind 6^th Street Design School, is quickly becoming one of Utah’s top interior designers. Not only has she helped design numerous residential projects throughout the state, but she also spent last year designing a gorgeous model home in Utah Valley. One thing I’ve noticed about Kirsten through her blog is that not only does she have a keen eye for home design, but she is also always looks polished and well put together.

"My fashion style is a great reflection of my interior design style," she said. "I love bold prints and colors. And because I'm a busy mom, I like to work in things to my wardrobe that make me feel dressed up but are still comfortable."

Today, Kirsten shares five bold pieces she can’t get enough of this summer.



 

1. Provence Stripe Dress ($138) I love dresses that are easy and comfortable. I like looking dressed up but not feeling dressed up!

2. Mossimo Straw Tote ($35) I am always looking for great statement bags. This bag looks expensive but is under $40!

3. A Novel Clutch Bag ($30) This clutch is floral, flirty and the perfect summer accessory. I am sure you would get a ton of compliments on it!

4. DOT MARC JACOBS Fragrance ($72) I recently got a sample of this perfume in the mail and I love it! When my sample runs out I am going to have to cave and buy it.

5. Midi Skirt in Multi-Colored Stripe ($61) I have always had a skirt obsession and this skirt is no exception. I love the vibrant colors and geometric pattern.

My Five Style Obsessions: Jess & Steph From SALT

Jess and Steph are the fashionistas behind the SALT Style Blog, where they share their enthusiasm and eye for style. Since its launch in 2012, SALT has since become a go-to site for women around the globe, who check in for tips on layering, pairing patterns, finding looks for less and more.

When it comes to choosing outfits for the blog and their day-to-day lives, these two friends focus on incorporating today’s fads into classic looks.

“Trends can be portrayed to the extreme,” said the two ladies. “Our focus incorporates the latest trends in a sophisticated, subtle and classy way.”

Today, Jess and Steph share what pieces they can’t get enough of this summer.



1. Zoe Karssen T-Shirt ($50) This will be the shirt you want to throw on every day because it's super soft, flattering and on trend with the fun saying on the front.

2. Theories Dress ($38) Maxi dresses give that effortless style we all adore! You'll look chic and stay cool all summer long.

3. Fringed Quills Necklace ($42) A statement necklace is the perfect finishing touch for summer style.

4. Perforated City Clutch ($80) Color is essential and this gorgeous clutch reminds us of the sea. The color pop is sure to kick your outfit up a notch!

5. Vintage Wash Denim Vest ($89) A denim vest is one of our must-have items this season because it's the perfect layering piece for the summer.

Charlie Ford Vintage

My favorite Bachelorette and best friend Jillian Harris launched Charlie Ford Vintage on Monday, an online shop packed with vintage goodies. Along with her cousin Tori Wesszer and friend Alyssa Dennis, Jillian updates the site routinely with antique finds that are yours for the taking.



I love everything Jillian Harris, so I was dying to check out the site when it went live. Here are a few pieces that caught my eye:

^^^Canadian Impressionist Painting^^^

^^^Hudson Bay 3.5 Point Wool Blanket^^^

^^^Wooden Tea Crate^^^
^^^I'm so envious of the person that snatched up these 14K Gold Stud Earrings!^^^

Q&A With Whitney Lundeen

As the mother of two boys, Whitney Lundeen was tired of feeling restricted in her clothing to be the active mother she wanted to be.

“Every day was a battle getting dressed,” Lundeen said. “I wanted to wear cute clothes but so much of the material was dry clean only. I knew that meant I wouldn’t let my son near me if he was eating a banana, and I didn’t want that.”

With limited options available in the market for fashionable clothes that were also mommy appropriate, Lundeen decided to do something about it. In February, she launched Sonnet James, an online boutique that features 12 original dresses made from  indestructible and comfortable fabrics. The dresses have become a hit with women nationwide and today, Lundeen is launching a Kickstarter campaign to help keep up with demand.

Lundeen chatted with me about how Sonnet James came to be and her reaction to its success…

NYC Heat Survival Kit

Today's temperatures are supposed to hit 95 degrees with 53 percent humidity.

Let that sink in for a moment.

Now imagine yourself standing underground, waiting for the subway where the air doesn't move.

It gets disgusting fast.

Here are 6 essentials for battling New York City in the summer. We're talking loose skirts, sun umbrellas, hair up, sunscreen that fights UVA and UVB rays and the best pocket-size deodorant that, like this thick humid air, will never leave your side.

one. two. three. four. five. six.

Denim Overalls

What do you think about overalls for adults?

I have to admit that I am loving these denim overalls. I think they would work well in the spring, summer or fall (that little gap in the torso would not be fun during the chilly New York City winter winds).

 

My Three Style Obsessions: Suzanne Davis

Suzanne Davis is the founder of Striving Onward, a female empowerment site that delivers daily posts from women around the country discussing topics like fat talk, relationships, self-confidence and more.

As you can see from her weekly vlog appearances on Striving Onward, Davis tackles these tough women issues looking classy all the while.

“My style philosophy is to invest in key, classic staples that will last, offer wardrobe versatility and never go out of style,” she says. “Then play with less expensive statement accessories to add color and edge.”

Here, Davis shares what classic pieces she's picking up this spring.

BHLDN's Brings Flirt & Glam To Their Spring Line

Am I about to do a blog post about wedding gowns?

Yes. Yes, I am.

And NO, this is not an announcement! But when BHLDN sent me an email last week announcing the release of their spring line, I had to take a peak. They weaved lots of romance in these dresses and even a touch of bling.

 Rococo Gown

Rosecliff Gown

Cyprium Gown

Isadora Gown

I love seeing what trends emerge each wedding season. I remember the big "sash" phase a few years ago. And last year was the year of the textured gowns, like this one (and I still love this look). I love the softer, more romantic look that is popping up this year. What about you? Any dress from BHLDN'S new line that catches your eye?

Best of Golden Globes Red Carpet

Emily Blunt

I am beginning to realize I must be an entertainment reporter at some point in my career so I can get on the red carpet. Did you watch the Golden Globes last night? Here are some of my fav fashion picks from the evening.

Lucy Liu. Not sure many could pull this print off but I think it works.

Anne Hathaway rocking a peplum.

Michelle Dockery showing some shimmer, a huge trend of the evening.

Nicole Kidman.

Hayden Panettiere. I am loving the bodice. Would have swapped out the trumpet skirt though for something with a sleek finish.

Photos from here.

Who were your fashion favorites last night?

Oxblood Cords

I have three really tough things to do this week. But if I get them done, I earn myself a sweet prize for the weekend (TBA). So we're going to power on through wearing these oxblood cords (color of the season!) I bought at Uniqlo over the weekend.

And did you know Uniqlo hems pants for free? Picking them up this afternoon.

This post over at Mara's blog is tugging at my heart a little bit this morning. 

Fall Trend: The Jean Jacket

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One of the strongest fall trends that I am seeing on every block is the jean jacket. It's a must-have item here in New York and something I need to get my hands on stat. I love the look when it's paired with a dress or even leggings, flats, and a tee for a stroll around the park.

Shoe Shopping

I have been planning on buying this gorgeous pair of heels on December 30th. But they are apparently sold out everywhere. Not a pair to be found.

So on to Plan B. Would you recommend the Bow Pumps or Curl Stacked Heels? Or did you want to buy me some Louboutins?

How An Anthro Sale Strengthened My Faith

I'm a girl who doesn't pay full price for anything. And I can honestly say I don't shop very often (although this is the second Anthro-related posted in the last few weeks). But yesterday, I made a rather substantial shopping trip to Anthropologie.

While I feel some guilt over it, I also think it was God's way of taking care of me.

Don't roll your eyes, I'm serious!

You see, right after I became just me, I was standing in an Anthropologie dressing room surrounded by beautiful, expensive clothes. And I suddenly thought, "I'm going to buy all of this." I knew that meant spending more than $800 but I didn't care one bit in that moment. That was what I wanted. While in every other aspect of my life it didn't seem to matter one bit about what I wanted, this...this I could make happen.

Then that logical, couponer in me piped in. I walked out empty-handed.

But this month....Oy vey.... If there ever was a month in my life where I could use some retail therapy, it's this month. In fact, I don't even need the whole month, just the next 8 days. Official divorcement, Christmas and would-be anniversary all fall within 8 days of one another.

Well yesterday I get another email from Anthropologie. Big sale aaaand take 50% off the bottom price.

I would not be surprised if my right bicep is sore tomorrow from the lug of clothes I carried to the dressing room this afternoon.

So in the end, I still had my shopping spree at a low(er) cost.

Win, win.