Must-Have Mondays

Must Have Mondays:

Ladies and gentlemen (drumroll please)...I have finally found a pair of VC Signature loafers (exclusive to Nordstrom) that I can not live without-- and they are on SALE!

I have a special place in my heart for loafers! I have a hard time finding flats that are well supported, good quality, comfortable and most of all cute! Since I am on a new "all black everything" kick I am even more devoted to finding a few flats that add some extra color or depth to my outfit.

Some other lovely VC Signature flats are:

Back To Black

Its official I am jumping on the black bandwagon! I have long distanced myself from the ominous color for fear of falling victim to its ability to steal one's love of other colors. In my opinion black is chic, but all too often people rely on the color like a crutch for their own unimaginative style. Black seemed unoriginal and lack innovation..or so I thought...

I recently started contemplating my look for this upcoming fall and winter and all I could think was black on black on black attack! I decided I want to stick to simple silhouettes with layers of black intermingled with neutrals including olive green, navy and charcoal to create a simple yet comprehensive look. Imagine tomboy chic with a hint of leather.

Now just because I'm going black does not mean that I will turn into a black shapeless blob! I am going to consciously work on layering a variety of textures and add hints of color through details, accessories and make-up. 

These ladies know better than anyone how to rock monochromatic black outfits!

If you are going to only wear one color be sure to play with shapes, textures and tailoring.

Everyone needs a LDB...

I love the idea of mixing coated denim with linen shirts, silk blouses, wool blazers. To break up the color and be true to myself I will probably break up the color with a patterned belt or colorful scarf.

How do you wear your black? Are you a fan of the black band wagon or not? 

I Really Love My...Sam Edelman "Trina' Sandals

This week "I Really Love My..." is all about my favorite Sam Edelman "Trina" sandals! I love these sandals so much that I have to pairs in two different colors! I have one pair in cognac and the other in red! 

These were my trusty sandals throughout my European trip because they are comfortable, classic and have a tiny heel that was easily dressed up or dressed down depending on the day's activities. 

If you love these shoes as much as me check them out at Piperlime, Amazon or Zappos!

 What is your favorite piece in your closet that you constantly wear? 

Toodles!

I Really Love My...

I was inspired by People Magazine to create a "I Really Love My..." weekly post in order to highlight the recycling of certain key items in my wardrobe. I have to admit that I am the kind of person that does not like to be caught in the same outfit twice, but on a post graduate budget I often have to reuse and reinvent my pieces in order to make them work for every and any occasion. 

I found the recycling of clothes especially critical while traveling throughout Europe for a month with a single suitcase. This H&M jean jacket was actually a hand-me-down from a stylish friend. This jacket was great to toss on with a dress on breezy days and for protecting my shoulders from the hot summer sun!

Stayed tuned for next week's post of "I Really Love My..." and feel free to share you're go-to piece! Is it a pair of shoes? Blazer? Shirt? How to you recycle items in your closet?

Toodles!

Sunday Daze

(Sweater/Skirt/Vest/Sunnies: Madewell, Scarf: H&M, Booties: Aldo)

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Help: "A Hairy Situation"

As a young woman it is my duty to experiment with fashion trends and beauty products to see what suits my personal style. I have explored all avenues with the exception of my hair...I am not afraid of a good ol' trim every few months, but coloring terrifies me!

What if I color it so much I can't ever identify the original color? What if I get highlights and they turn into "skunk streaks"! You all know what I am talking about! 

In an effort to be more fearless and outgoing I have decided to color and possibly cut my lovely locks! Above is a picture of my current hair "cut" and color. Below are some options that I am contemplating! What do you guys think? 

I would not go blonde in anyway shape of form, instead I would replace the blonde in this image with a light caramel or auburn.

Tell me what you think! Any and all feedback is much appreciated! Is the ombre effect old news? Do you like the shoulder length look or should I cut it a bit shorter and color?! 

Toodles!

Easy Apple Cinnamon Muffins

So my sister and I have been trying to bake muffins for quite some time, but with our conflicting schedules our baking date has continually gotten pushed back. Well these muffins were well worth the wait! They have been a total life saver for breakfast this week, not to mention a yummy after work snack!  

 Original recipe makes 6 muffins

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

3/4 cup white sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons baking powder

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 egg

1/3 cup of milk

2 apples - peeled, cored and chopped

The Sugary Topping:

1/2 cup white sugar

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup butter, cubed

1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease six muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.
2. Stir together 1 1/2 cup flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt, baking powder and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Mix in oil, egg and milk. Fold in apples. Spoon batter into prepared muffin cups, filling to the top of the cup.
3. In a small bowl, stir together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, butter and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix together with fork and sprinkle over unbaked muffins.
4. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

These muffins were delicious! I love an added crunch to my desserts so I decided to sprinkle some chopped walnuts on top of the muffins! Yum!

Enjoy!