Shoes (Pumps and Boots)

Other than the cardigan post, I haven't posted for so long, so I have all of these random topics that I need to organize. Next one up is shoes...I desperately need a new pair of basic boots, which will probably be equestrian-style. And since holiday season is coming up, I really would like to get a cute pair, maybe two, or heels:

These are Coclico wedge boots, which are okay, but they are not as nice as chunky-heeled riding boots. The only reason why I would consider wedges as opposed to heeled is because I have to be practical for school. How could I possibly walk from class to lecture to practice with those on?
These are Dolce Vita riding boots (I worship Shopbop, by the way, as far as online shopping goes), and this flat style is the ideal. Flat riding boots have maximum arch support while still delivering comfort, which is key.
These Frye boots are my favorite, and I'm thinking of actually buying them. They have the perfect heel height, and the leather quality on all Frye boots is amazing. The buckles are a nice little touch, too. The price is steep, but classic boots are a good investment...I'll think about it.

These heels are Marc by Marc Jacobs, and they are absolutely gorgeous! They're simple, but they can work with just about everything from jeans to skirts to dresses. And the heel is not outrageously high.
Joie Mary Janes: I like the look of these shoes, and they would definitely shape my legs, considering they are incredibly thin with no shape...but I'm not sure at all about their versatility.
Again, Marc by Marc, but they are exactly what I'm looking for to punch up a holiday outfit. The heel is chunky, which means that I will be able to do something radical--like walk, for example. But they're a little too trendy in the long run. I'm just imagining them with a whimsical tangerine dress.

My Much-Needed Cardigan List

So winter is fast approaching, but it's not going to be extremely cold for a while. I've been looking for the perfect cardigan for several months now...it's a basic item for any girl's wardrobe, so I think I can splurge a little. Here are some for all budgets: This cardigan is by Gap, and it looks pretty versatile. The only thing is that most of my Gap tops tend to lose their shape after a couple of washes...
By Bop Basics (Shopbop's home brand)...I love the slim fit and cut, but i intend to layer it sometimes. I don't know how chunky it would look over a substantially thick t-shirt.
This one is my favorite cardigan that I have seen so far. It's by Vince, and I love the length of the sleeves. For my unnaturally long arms, this comes as a blessing. And it's oversize enough without being overwhelming to fit a shirt underneath. After all, it's definitely better than a ratty sweatshirt, right? Besides, accessories can make the outfit. Maybe I should blog about a few necklaces or something next?

Modern Iconic....

Balenciaga.

Fashion Week is around the corner, and there is one trend that I really want to see continued on--boarding school prep. It seems perfect for any age, depending on how you pair textures and accessories. So, ode to Balenciaga, the fashion house that brought it back in style.
Here are other designers who have a more relaxed feel on this year's biggest trend:

Lacoste might be the simplest fashion house out there, but I honestly don't know which other brand constantly produces perfect cut, always flattering pieces. Epitome of prep school chic.

This 3.1 Philip Lim creation just embodies the school girl spirit. Plus, this is actually something that I would look towards for a warm, fall buy.

Alice + Olivia, more equestrian, but still has the New England flair to it.

The Reading List

A few books that I really want to read in the next few weeks:

Keira/Chanel and Sigerson Morrison

To be honest, I never really thought that Keira Knightley would go nude for anything...guess I was wrong. But, ignoring the fact that she is nude, Keira looks just as striking as usual in her upcoming Chanel ads.



I started to wonder why her and Emma Watson were walking around in head to toe Chanel. Keira seems perfect for the Chanel face (she looks like model), but Emma simply looks like the hardly-exclusive celeb gracing yet another designer campaign.



Now for my long due ballet flat ad...Sigerson Morrison. I swear, I will start posting more in a few days, I just have to get my ballet flat fetish out of the way.I absolutely hate patent leather in most styles, but this shoe and the one below have something classy that makes me want to buy it. Maybe it's because most patent leather shoes I see are in red, which does not do justice to it. In any case, this version reminds me of Reese Witherspoon's outfit in which she wore a black miniskirt and blue tanktop. This is the perfect ballet flat for a uniformed school student. It also comes in pink, but this is classic-with-a-twist, and I personally think this would pop under almost any light colored dress or shorts. This color, in my experience, will look great with absolutely anything. I wore it one day with a mint green wrap dress with blue and darker green polka dots, and surprisingly, the shoe complimented it perfectly. Plus, since it's so shiny, it really does not need any design to draw attention to it.

Photos: Sigerson Morrison

Dresses with Tights

Where I live, summer is relatively chilly, and fall is freezing without the snow. So, I'm thinking about using the dresses I have with tights. Not the kiddie-buy-at-target-in-bulk kind, but the nicer, ribbed tights that will keep me warm throughout the day. Here are some neat ones:

This Thread Social cowl neck is perfect for cold weather. It looks like something you could curl up in. Also, if you're like me, and your legs can handle the cold, but your arms can't, ditch the tights!

Rachel Pally, perfect with black or dark grey tights. And the plus? Pockets, which make dresses all the more practical. It's also good for a more casual workplace with tights and pumps.

Eh, not to fond of this Marc Jacobs with tights. However, if you're daring enough, the socks look really prim with the youthful buttons on the waist cinch. And for a shabby chic style, put an oversize sweater on for those cold nights.

I have been looking for an understated mod dress this past summer, and I think this Juicy Couture one is perfect. I have swimmer broad shoulders though, so I hope this doesn't make me look boxy when I try it on. But I have to admit, the length and loose cut would make me feel self concious since I have long legs, so I could only wear it in the winter with tights....maybe not a good investment after all, especially for a trendy item.

Source: Shopbop

Recent Buys

This draped cobalt dress was the best steal from Forever 21. And, the draping disguises huge, convenient pockets. So, if cinched with a brown or colored belt, it looks very figure-friendly.

Perfect bargains, but the black ones still need breaking in. Pink flats are from Old Navy, and the yellow buckled ones go perfectly with the dress above. They're from Nine West. And the Tory Burch/Juicy Couture/Roger Vivier inspired flats are from Payless.

Pearl necklace I think was from India, and the earrings I scored for one dollar in front of the Met. Needless to say, I disinfected obsessively.

simple layering tank top from the gap

h&m mini skirt with three big pocket buttons...got it on 5th in nyc; it's meant to be high-waisted, but can be worn either way.

cropped sweater from rugby ralph lauren, one of my favorite brands. They have the most amazing cream dress in stock right now...thinking of buying it. it has two trends: angelic mod and shift dress

got at a designer sample sale near where I live. It's Sweet Caroline by Beau and Eros, and is the best-fitting item I have ever owned. Splurge, but well worth it.

Wide-leg trouser jeans from American Eagle. Pretty baggy, but perfect with heels or ballet flats, for a comfy day in class.

American Apparel sells very simplistic items, but this polo dress is perfect with polka-dotted London Sole flats

Grey, bust-pleated dress. Drapes perfectly, surprising for a Forever 21 dress. with a youthful cardigan, would look amazing. Otherwise, you can dress it up. If you're a little older, it would look amazing with the past season Chloe heels.

By far the comfiest T-shirt i have ever worn. It's J.Crew vintage style, but I love how effortlessly cool it is...especially since it's a timeless piece with the nautical trend of this season.