Make Me Blush

Happy Weekend loves. Anything fun planned? We are going to enjoy a good amount of unscheduled fun with the kids and then I have the privilege of co-hosting a baby shower for two lovely ladies. Both of which are having baby girls, which is sooo on trend right now. Well at least the pink part. ha Blush is everywhere and I am digging it. It is an easy neutral to work into your stand by pieces and looks good on everyone. Plus, who could not feel feminine and cheery in soft pink? That is right, no one. Here are some fun pieces in spring's hottest hue...

1. This dress is too sweet and screams "wear me to Easter Brunch!)

2. LOVE these suede open toed booties. Would look great with skinny jeans. 

3. We still need sweaters and I am gaga over this one. 

4. Love a blush and gold moment. They also come in an oversized square shape. 

5. The thought of this pretty tulle maxi skirt paired with a body suit or luxe t-shirt makes me so happy. 

6. The perfect jersey dress to wear with flats all day and your fave heels at night. 

7. A blush market bag to hold everything. 

8. All the cool girls are wearing culottes. This jumpsuit, I can get behind. 

9. The prettiest sandals maybe ever. 

10. Because cold shouldering is here to stay and I love the eyelet. 

11. A little pink seersucker number. Also comes in flat blush.

12. An easy, comfy dress that you will reach for all Spring long. (add leggings now, bare legs later)

13. So I have a strange obsession with backpacks right now. This one would be perfection. 

14. Part varsity sweater, part perfect jean topper. (and later denim cut offs)

15. A classic zipper clutch in a pretty pink. 

16. The go to flats that I always go back to. 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide: Bags to Love Forever

A girl could get through life with jeans, a tee, sneakers, and a great bag. 

Right now I am loving streamlined, classic bags that whether the price tag is high or low, look flawless. And will last someone season after season. Here are some options for a very lucky girl...

1. A beautiful black bucket bag that will last forever. 

2. Oxblood was the color of the year and this clutch does it justice. (comes in other colors)

3. A pop of color in this cute cross body. (comes in many colors)

4. Blush is a now a neutral. Love the gold hardware with this Chloe (also comes in other colors)

5. A Gucci classic that will make you smile for decades. 

6. The classic PS1 in navy. Always a winner. 

7. Love this pretty leather cross body. Also comes in a clutch. 

8. An unexpected, but modern shape for a cross body. Love the tassel. 

9. Another investment piece that will be coveted forever. 

10. The backpack is having a serious moment and this grown up version is amazing. 

11. Rockstud, always and forever will be a favorite. (comes in other colors)

Still looking? You can find the other gift guides here. 

xo

Erin 

A Mighty Mini

It seems like everyone is sporting a little mini cross body these days. Besides the amazingness that is "hands free," there is a lot to love about these little lovelies. Most of all that most of them double duty as a clutch and it helps you edit down what you really need in life. Sans kids, my current arsenal is mineral sunscreen, credit card, cash, phone, and lip balm. I have been eyeing a few different styles and decided to just do a full round up for you. Because a little bag can make a girl really happy. 

While still an investment, these designer options bring the luxury for slightly less

       

1. Bottega Veneta / 2. YSL / 3. Gucci / 4. Chanel  / 5. Balenciaga (comes in a bunch of colors) / 6. Salvatore Ferragamo (also comes in pink) 

Loving the bright color options. Wear with jeans and tee, add your favorite sandals and it is the perfect pop. 

A classic saddle bag is effortless and functional

1. Sophie Hulme (beautiful) 2. Oliveve / 3. Madewell / 4. Chloe (comes in a bunch of colors) / 5. Chloe / 6. Alexander Wang / 7. Tory Burch (obsessed) / 8. Chloe / 9. Sophie Hulme (had to repeat, it is that good)

These top handle bags double as a cross body and a tote. Got to love the multi-use 

Top:  Balenciaga / Valentino / Saint Laurent

Bottom: Prada / Kate Spade / 3.1 Phillip Lim

I also love the shape of a classic envelope

                        

Top: Loeffler Randall and Cambridge Satchel

Love a PS1 (pink and navy)

The bucket is still a cool girl favorite 

                         

Top: Shaffer / 3.1 Phillip Lim

Bottom: Stella McCartney (not really bucket, but so cute) / Shaffer (love the white and navy)

And this camera bag shape is always a fav

                  

1. Rebecca Minkoff (also in navy) / 2. Gucci / 3. J. Crew (comes in 5 colors) / 4. Gucci / 5.Valentino (also in pink) / 6. Tory Burch

Which one is your favorite? 

xo

Erin 

Time for Spring Breaking

Are you off somewhere warm? Hope so. 

I am a little late on my Spring Break packing post as I know that some of you might already be on yours or headed out of town, but my packing does not start until next week so here I am. Since the kids stuff takes up at least half of our packing space, I like to keep things light and coordinated. Makes it easy to not only pack, but to pick what to wear once you are there.  Here is what I am going to bring (either the exact or close match to) this year...

1. A straw bag that doesn't mind a little sand, but fits everything. Hat Attack $95

2. My fave mineral sunscreen powder now comes in spf 50. It is waterproof and gives you a nice even coverage. Sunscience $64 (lasts forever)

3. Worship these frames from Warby Parker $95

4. A actual packable hat that can get squished in your bag. J. Crew $34

5. Soft PJs that wash well, look nice, and are ok for your in laws to see you in. J. Crew $58

6. This suit looks great with cut off shorts and flips. Total 90s throwback. J. Crew $88 (many colors)

7. A breezy and sweet cover up. J. Crew $69

(Think I have enough J. Crew going on? Geez. But kind of obsessed with everything there lately and there seems to be a sale every day.)

These tops...

From Left: 

A gauzey, boho blouse with tassels that goes with everything. BB Dakota $85

Remember when tanks had shelf bras in them in the early 00s? Yea, J. Crew is making them again. $24

My love for Cloth & Stone runs deep, and this coral button down is so soft and perfect. $88

A forgiving, but sweet ruffle top for big dinners out. d.Ra $84

All the tops can be worn with each of these shorts...

1. Easily the best pair of lace shorts I have bought. Loft $59 (other colors available)

2. A sweet pair of floral drawstring shorts. Minkpink $59

3. My go to J. Crew cut offs. $79

4. Who doesn't love a skort? And I love the print/woven material. Cupcakes & Cashmere $100

Dresses for different occasions...

I am a sucker for Parker and I love this silhouette. $265

This dress could go from the beach straight to dinner. Loft $79 + 25% off today

A little ballet nod in a super flattering cut. Susana Monaco $170 (yellow also, $119)

I swear by the three pairs of shoes rule. All you need...

1. A wedge that matches everything when you want a lift. Loeffler Randall $275

2. A flip flop that can hang by the pool or be paired with a dress later. J. Crew $50 (also in back)

3. A white sneaker for everywhere else. Adidas $74 (check out the sizing notes when ordering)

Anything you cannot leave behind? Would love to hear. 

Happy Travels! 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Getaway

Even though I am not going on any type of trip this weekend, I got really inspired by this fantastic weekend bag to pack for one. 

This bag is from Barrington gifts (no not that Barrington) and you can customize with a fabric choice (there are many) and add a monogram. Love them. And at $275 it is a good price for the quality and size. How great would this be as a wedding present, too? 

So if I was going away this weekend, this is what I would pack. Would be perfect for a little coastal getaway or a quick B&B visit on the lake. 

1. An effortless white dress for dinner out. d.Ra $100

2. Black wedges that go with everything. Seychelles $95

3. So you do not have to bring a blow dryer. Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray $26

4.  J. Crew has a new mix and match tool for bikinis. Love this combo. 

5. A silky tank to wear for brunch. Tibi $160 

6. A breezy beach cover up that you can wear all day. ONE by Pink Stitch $84

7. A versatile bag that goes from tote to cross body. Foley & Corinna $139

8. The best denim shorts. Ever. J. Crew $79 (buy a size down)

9. Leather espadrilles for walks along the coastline. Mint & Rose $139

10. Because it is kind of the only make up you need on vacay. Nars the Multiple in Orgasm $39

Are you off to somewhere fun this weekend? I am next week and can't wait to share. 

Happy weekend. 

xo

Erin 

Treat Yourself

There is nothing wrong with a little something sweet on Valentine's Day. The feminine flirt of a scalloped edge is just enough for a girlie look. Mix with something harder or classic to keep from going overboard. 

1. Lacey shorts from Free People $78

2. Worship these sweet flats from J. Crew $158

3. Minty cross body bag from Asos $43

4. Ridiculous Herve Leger skirt, love $790

5. Love this bikini from Topshop $60

6. A roomy tote from Asos $131

7. Shift dress by Lotusgrace $395 

8. Perfection for the pool by Marysia Swim $255

9. Simple and sweet iPhone case from Anthropologie $28

Hope you have a lovely day! 

xo

Erin 

Casual Friday

While it is fun to get inspiration from our favorite ladies for dressing up, it is really dressing down that we do more often. I am constantly trying to find that perfect balance of comfort and chic. Trying to stay away from yoga pants and oversized sweaters is so hard! These three girls show us that perfect mix and how to execute it right. 

Miranda is pretty flawless and I love the leather leggings with the wedge sneakers, which I am kind of getting into. 

 moto jacket (obsessed) $79 / bag $1500 / leggings $130 / sunglasses $32 / sneakers $149

I always thought that Hayden was kind of cheesy, but after her chic look at the Globes and this outfit at the airport, she has won me over. The peace sign, not so much. 

leather bomber $232 / fur scarf (obsessed) $188 / cropped skinnies $185 / boots $129 / hat $78

A blazer and jeans is so classic and easy to put together. You know Rachel is off doing something fab, even on a day she is dressed down. 

blazer (obsessed) $130 / t-shirt (the best) $80 / jeans $218 / sunglasses $225 / satchel $165

Happy weekend loves! 

xo

Erin 

Gift Guide: Wanderlust Lady

Whether she is traveling for work or play, here are some ideas for the girl in your life to make her trip chic, yet comfortable. 

1. A large leather tote in camel or bright citron from the Gap makes for the perfect carry on $125 

2. A sweet little sewing kit for mending a snag or a missing button $10

3. A soft and warm coat that is easy to throw on for flights by Joie $327

4. Every key ring needs a suede tassel, right? $25

5. Nothing can replace the weekly organizer, this red one from J. Crew is a great size $25

6. Hand knit cable throw to cuddle up with $90

7.  Made for little girls, this glittery case from J. Crew would be perfect for toiletries $98

8. A cheeky bow tie USB for all her files on the go $50

9. Custom jewelry case (many fabric options) for her baubles $45

10. L'Occitane hand cremes are the right size and my favorite $28 for the set

xo

Erin 

Bright and Shiny Blue

I have written before of my love for all things bright blue. This room kind of made me want to die, and I mean that in the best possible way. 

Traditional Home

The neutrals and pop of yellow is so great. The moldings also take it over the top. When I have the opportunity to have a sitting room or den, this is the color that is going up. 

In the meantime, I can still shop for bright blue....

1. Equipment $188

 2. Topshop $75

3. Wayne $485

 4. Isabella Oliver $191

 5. Yochi $70

 6. Nissa $125

7. ASOS $58

8. Balenciaga $1895

 9. Swatch $80

Love the sleeveless, over sized button down with leather leggings. And if I did not look like I swallowed a basketball right now, the Topshop dress would be my go to party dress. Love. 

xo

Erin 

Weekend Wish & What I am Packing

This weekend I am heading out of town again for my last wedding of 2012. This one is especially exciting because I get to visit Newport, RI, a place I have never been and am seriously excited to check out. 

Oh, and I get to see a friend of almost twenty-five years get married. Lucky for me he met a girl from the East Coast with great taste. It will be a very fun weekend with some high school friends and lots of East Coast charm. 

My weekend wish is that this trip caps off what was a great wedding season and that I have a blast with people I have known for way too long. There will be a serious dance party involved that would probably scare outsiders, but I am looking forward to it. 

With another weekend away, this brings me to another packing challenge. I have gotten pretty good at packing and always plan every outfit in advance so carry on is always an option. My husband loves me for it. 

Here are a few of the pieces I am bringing this weekend. 

1. A comfortable, but cute pleated dress for the wedding by Parker $177 (on sale!)

2. Basic black pumps that will go with anything by Christian Louboutin $375

3. A roomy cross body bag that works for a carry on and day bag by Alexander Wang $780

4. A small gold clutch for evening that fits just enough by Magid $35

5. Black leather jacket for cooler nights. Looks great unzipped. by Elie Tahari $425

6. A printed silk blouse for day or night by Joie $218

7. My fave extra long jeans from Mother with the best wide flare leg $218

8. Great fitting, slightly thicker leggings from J Crew $40

9. Super comfortable moccasins in gray for daytime sight seeing by Minnetonka $40

10. Easiest sweater to throw on when it gets chilly by J Crew $130

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Back to School Satchel

I know it is a tad early to start thinking about Fall, but really it is never too early to start shopping for it. We all want some fresh pieces to bring us into the cooler weather, sweater season and the general "Back to School" mentality. 

Long have I coveted for a Proenza Schouler PS1 satchel. It comes in a few different sizes and endless color options. It is my current dream bag and I am hoping I get all A's next semester so I can have one. Or at least save my pennies to splurge on one. 

And though the PS1 is quite pricey, there are many options out there to help us next season. Whether headed back to school, back to work, or back to cold weather, you always want some freshly sharpened pencils and a new accessory to soften the blow of more work and less play. 

1. Proenza Shouler PS1 Medium leather satchel at Net-A-Porter $1595

2. Leather satchel with lock from Topshop $110

3. Miu Miu small leather satchel at Net-A-Porter $1350
4. Black leather satchel at ASOS $120 (there were a lot of great styles for great prices here)

5. Kristen round satchel from Coach $698

6. Darlington satchel from J. Crew $278
7. Giani Bernini grey satchel at Macy's $88

8. Miss Gustto yellow satchel at Bluefly $75

9. Mulberry Alexa satchel at Net-A-Porter $1200
10. Lane Line satchel at Anthropologie $278
11. Susan Farber Derby crossbody satchel at Nordstrom $183
12. Bridgette satchel from French Connection $90

xo

Erin 

Getting Personal: Aztec & Navajo Inspired Prints

I was told years ago, from a very wise woman that "Prints are Personal." Out of all of the advice I have heard on style, this has resonated with me the most. She told me this because she often helps me shop and we always had very different opinions on prints. While I tend to maybe pick one piece a season with a bold print and brutally scrutinize it in the dressing room mirror, she can instantly see a print she loves and how to incorporate it into her life. 

With endless and beautiful options on prints season after season, I think we can all agree to disagree with what prints we love and those we hate. From large graphic prints to delicate florals, prints change with the seasons and your mood. Don't let anyone talk you into a print, because you will never wear it. Trust me, I have evidence of salesgirl print pushing hanging in my closet with the tags still sadly hanging from the sleeves. 

To give you some print inspiration, DVF and Isabel Marant showed some Aztec and Navajo inspired prints that are fun and very different. 

vogue.com

What I am finding fun about these prints are the diversity and the way it can be quite bold as Lady Furstenberg has showed us or more subtle as the uber-chic Isabel displays. 

Now as the advice says, you could absolutely loathe these prints, and that is just fine with me. Because the more opinion you have about prints, the more likely you are to find the perfect one for yourself. 

1. Aztec Party Dress by All Saints $460

2. Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Aztec Bra top Romper at Revolve Clothing $294

3. Pippa Lynn Print Pleated Skirt at ASOS $86

4. Aztec Woven Top by Forever 21 $13

5. Stolen Girlfriends Club Spike Dress at ASOS $305

6. Poncho in Turquoise and Cream at Boutique to You $55

7. Warehouse Leather Aztec Bag at ASOS $94

8. Aztec skirt by All Saints $299

9. Tucker Blouse at Les Nouvelles $264

10. Mara Hoffman balconette bikini at Net-A-Porter $220

11. Missoni Soia wool sweater at Net-A-Porter $870

xo

Erin 

Two Bags in One

Zipping the suitcase closed after packing can be a challenge when you want to bring your entire wardrobe. When you go away, you want to look chic and pulled together. This can be really tough without checking (oh how I try) or editing yourself well.

The biggest space killers are bags and shoes by far. When it comes to shoes, these Jimmy Choo  nude wedges are my universal warm weather shoe, as they go with everything.

Bags are so much harder to edit since you have to contend with daytime and nighttime looks, sightseeing versus dinners, and everything in between. One way to help out is to find a multi-tasker such as this amazing orange Rebecca Minkoff cross-body clutch.

Notice how the chain (that loops around you perfectly) detaches and you are left with a cute clutch for evenings out? The gold hardware and studs on the bottom glam it up and the roomy insides can fit all you need.

The orange is so fun, but it also comes in more neutral tones to go with what you are packing. At under $200, you are getting a lot for this classic style from Miss Minkoff.

What are some other ways you get more out of what you pack?

xo
Erin

Just Pretty

Sometimes a girl just wants to dress like a girl. Especially when there are so many pretty things to choose from this Spring. I love to mix and match pieces that are girlie with pieces with an edge, and these soft pink and beige pieces are all girl. The belt and the bag would be a nice contrast with these. Although, I really wanted to include the bag no matter what because I think it is fantastic. The trench is also a genius new take on the trench with a light price tag. Love. 

1. Alice + Olivia Casey WRap Mini Dress at Scoop NYC

2. Alice + Olivia Sequin Sweetheart Mini Dress at Scoop NYC

3. Double Breasted Trench Coat at Zara

4. Accordion Pleat Skirt from Zara

5. Motif 56 Annabelle Wrap Belt at Shopbop

6. Scoop Button Placket Blouse at Scoop NYC

7. Lanvin Single-Strap Wedge at Barney's

8. Rebecca Minkoff Embrace Satchel at Shopbop

xo

Erin 

You're Invited

So somehow my invitation to the royal wedding was lost in the mail. I am not sure how this happened, but I am sure it will arrive any minute now. So in the case it shows up, I wanted to be prepared with something fab to wear. I did a little research to see what one wears to such an event and found that long is almost mandatory, you must have on a curtsy appropriate dress for when you address the Queen, and you better bring it. The crowd will be posh, sophisticated, and classy. Slits up the thigh, cleavage, or back bearing dresses would be frowned upon, so leave the BeBe at home. The looks I put together are all very different, but I would sport any of them come this weekend.

Dresses from Net-A-Porter.com, Shoes from Barneys.com and ElyseWalker.com, Clutches from Barneys.com and NiemanMarcus.com

All of the dresses have some drape and an ease to them. The last thing you want to be doing in the presence of royalty is look like you are trying too hard. And because this is a wedding I wanted to make sure they all had a bit of romance to them, but a touch of edge in the accessories to chic it up a bit.

I included one of Kate's favorite designers, Issa, as I know that wearing it will make us fast friends. We will strike up a conversation about our love for comfortable, figure friendly fashion, and before I know it she will be inviting me to Anglesey for a weekend in the country with her and Wills.

Well, at least that is how I imagine it. Until that happens, I will be setting my alarm to watch with the rest of the world.

Which of these looks would you be wearing?

Cheerio!
xo
Erin

Tote Me

Style and function don't always make a great coupling. Those 5 inch platforms that I love are not necessarily the best snow shoes (although I try). Very rarely do you find a piece that you feel has a serious sense of style and functionality. This Celine tote has a lot of both. As my husband put it, "It's just a big shopping bag." And though he is correct, the super soft leather, two-tone design and roomy insides makes for my new favorite purchase. It comes in a few different  color combinations and can be found at Barney's if you do not have a Celine nearby.

I found some similar styles on Shopbop with a lighter price tag:

Half n' Half Messenger Bag
Club Monaco Allison Tote
Alexander Wang Alpha Shopper Bag

xo
Erin