A Coralistic Summer

When deciding on my summer wardrobe color palette, I was focused on really building up a fun and colorful collection. White has always been my prime pick for the summer because of its simplicity and softness. However, this was going to be the year I was going to change it up a little! It's funny, though, how my mind seems to only know how to focus on one color at a time... So much for diversification. Over the past few weeks, there's been a clear winner... CORAL. My obsession with the color began back in my days of hunting down the perfect coral dress for Senior Prom... Perfectly balanced with just the right amount of energy for the summer, it's no surprise that my love for it has easily and quickly resurfaced... and not a complete surprise that I've been buying coral bits and pieces with a furor lately.

Essie Canyon Coral: I picked up this pretty polish for only $2 at Starlight Beauty Supply in DTLA! I love digging in the "value bin" and finding discontinued colors at an absolute steal. The store focuses more on China Glaze and OPI, but I've never left without some awesome Essie finds! I like to check out the bin here before heading across the street to Hollywood Nail Supply where I can score some newer shades for $3.50 (like the gorgeous Braziliant from the new summer collection). These two stores have become an addictive stop for me whenever I'm in the area...

Coral and Gold Bangles: I'm still learning how to accessorize more with bracelets and bangles, but this set was definite love at first sight (impulse buy!) while checking out at SUO in Monrovia. The store features the usual collection of cute dresses and tops, but lately I've really been lucking out with the jewelry here. Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets range between $8-$20 and offer up some unique alternatives to the likes of Forever 21 and H&M. I've been mixing and matching these bangles with some of my other bracelets and love that I can even group the bangles within the set for a different look each time!

Kimchi Blue Silk Tank: My coworker and I have been sneaking off to the Urban Outfitters near work every week or so and have been enabling each other to buy one too many things lately. I was happy when I found this tank on sale (had previously decided I couldn't talk myself into paying $50 for something so little...). The little flare out back is super fun and the lace detailing is absolutely adorable. I wore the top paired with white shorts for a daytime look and then quickly glammed it up with black jeggings, heels and a necklace for a night outing! Simple, fun and comfortable--this will be getting lots of wear for the rest of summer!

Mossimo Twist Bandeau Top: Ever since I can remember, I've bought most of my swimsuits from Victoria's Secret... probably out of laziness since it's a one stop shop. I purchased a cute dotted bandeau suit a few summers back and it's become the only one I've worn since thanks to the lack of strap tanlines. Since I've pretty much decided triangle tops are no longer for me, I've been in desperate need of an additional bandeau suit. This Mossimo suit from Target was the absolute perfect choice for that! Although more reddish looking in the photo, I guarantee that it's the prettiest shade of coral in real life. The best part is that it pairs adorably well with some other bottoms I have. Can't wait to wear this for the upcoming July 4th weekend!

Ecote Macrame Skimmer: Ecote sandals are quite the staple in my summer wardrobe. Thankfully, their flats are just as cute and comfy. My friends were a little cautious about me buying them and I was a little concerned about possible pairings, but I've literally been wearing these with everything! They're the perfect pop of color for any outfit and are so light, I catch myself reaching for these over my sandals even on weekends! Loveloveloveeeee. The Kimchi Blue Peep Toe in coral or yellow was also a covet of mine.

...And if all that isn't enough, I recently stumbled upon the most beautiful Coral Necklace from Bauble Bar. This gorgeous necklace was featured by the fabulous Budget Babe (fashioned after AnnaLynne McCord) and I cannot stop thinking about it! P.S. I am kind-of-sort-of really obsessed with those cute boat shoes as well...

I hope everyone is having a lovely summer so far! Work has been light and I can't lie and say that half-day Fridays aren't the most amazing things that's ever happened to me since I started working! ;) What color are you loving for the summer season? Any recommendations for some more additions to my wardrobe?

Recent Nordstrom Rack Shoe Finds

If you haven't yet heard the buzz about the awesome Nordstrom Rack Groupon, go check it out NOW! I heart Nordie's Rack for all the awesome shoe deals I've been able to score over the years (like my favorite pair of heels, the Via Spiga Lang pumps). In honor of the Groupon, I thought I'd share two of my most recent finds...

Found these Elizabeth and James flats for only $90... That's over 60% off! 

I've been on the lookout for a new pair of black flats for a while now and was super lucky to stumble upon these at the Burbank Rack a few weeks ago... in their original box and dust bag! People have been buzzing about the Mason heels forever now, but I've never heard much talk about their flats. Having never tried on their shoes before, I think the brand runs large because these are a size 5 and fit me perfectly (I normally wear a size 5.5/6). The store carried a few other styles of E&J flats, but these were the ones that caught my eye. I love that the pointy toe is a little more chic than all the rounded flats I own and the perforation adds such a pretty touch (especially when wearing with brightly painted toenails). The shoe is pretty well made, with a soft black suede outer material and leather inner sole. I'm really happy to report that they were super comfortable to wear right away! I did quite a bit of walking on the first day and was lucky to come out of it unscathed (no painful heel blisters!).

These just might be my new favorite pair of flats!

With the weather changing, I was also pretty excited to find a pair of grey Stuart Weitzman Pellets at the Glendale Rack. Jessica of SeeJessicaGo has a pair of these and Janice owns a pair of black Tory Burch Reva jellies, so I've been on the lookout for my own! My friend commented that they're actually not that practical since they don't cover enough of your feet to keep you warm... but these are definitely okay for the short trek from my office parking lot to building. I'm so glad I won't have to worry about ruining any more work heels and flats by walking in those yucky rainy day puddles. Plus, they probably won't cause as much of a stir as my brightly colored rain boots. Since I got these in a size 6, they are roomy enough not to squish my feet and will hopefully prevent the discomfort that some people have reported feeling from the pressure of the pellet caps.

Scored these in size 6 for only $35!

As you can tell, my department of choice at the store is definitely shoes--they even separate designer shoes into easy to browse racks so it's super convenient to find those gems. I don't usually do too much clothing shopping at the Rack since it takes a bit more effort, but the store is pretty good about organizing clothes by department and size. I've also picked up a few accessories (sunglasses, jewelry, scarves, and beauty products) here and there. There's definitely something for everyone, so if you haven't yet picked up today's Groupon, get on it, readers! There are too many goodies to be found.

Ann Taylor Shoes, Shoes, Shoes

Sheesh, Ann Taylor, who would've imagined I'd ever spend so much money at your store? Thanks to all the fellow bloggers, I think I've become an official convert! I was able to finally order the coveted perfect pumps during the recent 40% off sale and couldn't be happier!

Perfect Patent Pump in Walrus, Perfect Elle Pump in Black, and Leonie Suede Flat in size 5 1/2.

Aren't they pretty? These have the perfect round-toe and heel height for work and play.

My first rave about these shoes are that they are *SO* comfortable! The footbed leather is sooo soft and smooth. I wore the pumps to work and was able to comfortably walk a few blocks for lunch without any slip-ups or pain. Ah-mazing. I ordered the flats after PAG blogged about the crazy 50% off sale and although the bling is a little more than I like on my shoes, I think they'll be fun for holiday parties and paired with a simple and otherwise unaccessorized weekend outfit (leggings + t-shirt!). Still on the lookout for some black flats though!

Wearing Tropical Wool Skirt, Perfect Patent Pumps in Walrus, and shirt from Banana Republic.

Hmm, I'm just not sure about the skirt. I love the color and texture, but it slipped and twisted every second of the day and I just don't think it looks that good on me. The 2P did end up being a little too loose so I had to pull the skirt down to my hips which might have added to this problem. I tried taking it to the store to exchange to avoid having to pay for return shipping but they weren't in stock. :( I might end up having to return it! What to do?! I also wanted to add that I ended up returning the Silk Polka Dot shirt because I didn't like the feel of the material and the fit was really weird. The sleeves were a lot shorter than the elbow-length on the model and the neckline felt really awkward on me. It didn't look bad, but didn't look as elegant as I hoped it would for the price. I might have to take a shot at AT clothes another time, but for now, the shoes are totally worth the hype!

In Search of... New Black Flats!

As the weather officially changes in LA (today was depressingly dreary!), I realize it's nearing the season for tights and flats again. I'm a flats-for-everyday kind of gal, but when the cold sets in, a nice pair of black flats are a must-have for my tights and skirts/dresses combos! Sadly, my pair of patent black Tory Burch Revas are practically dunzo and everyone around me knows that I've just about outworn my beloved kate spade felice flats in the past few months (BEST pair of flats I have ever owned to date). Hence, the need to find a new pair is urgent indeed!

I dropped by the mall today (no more staying at work past 8PM--such a miracle), and was absolutely disappointed with the available styles. I was so desperate, I even wandered into Steve Madden hoping I'd score a simple pair to make do with for now. Unfortunately, I just don't think it's worth it to spend $50-90 on a pair of "okay" flats. After some online perusal, I could still only find "okay" alternatives. *Sigh*

Have never tried Elie Tahari shoes, but I think these have a pretty classic look with the right amount of accessorizing.


Super cute and affordable!


Don't think I would ever buy these because the buckle is seriously way too intense, but the leather and shape would've been a perfect choice!


Although not as cute as the felice flat, these might have to be my last resort since I really like the quality and feel of kate spade's!

Unfortunately, none of the choices above are just that exciting. I can't see myself loving any of them. I'm still not baller enough to buy the beautiful Prada flats that Tiffany of I Am Style-ish owns, but one day I will! Until then, I need your help, readers! What is a good go-to flat that's comfortable and affordable? 

Once You Start, You Just Can't Stop...

I hate that shopping can basically cure all. After feeling a little down lately, I've forgotten how easily a girl can get lost in the excitement of new purchases! I desperately wish I was more immune to this weakness... but alas, once you start swiping that card, it's pretty much never going to stop. My current obsession: SHOES.

While doing a little roaming around in SF this past weekend, I stumbled upon these Michael Kors 'Berkley' sandals... on sale for $98 from $128!!

I've been looking for some "trendier" shoes to add my embarrassingly nonexistent collection of shoes and these were perfect! I love that they're simple, but offer a little more with the zipper detail. The SF Nordie's didn't have my size, but I was able to pick up a pair today in LA on the way home from work. They are amazingly comfortable and will be a quick and easy way to dress up a pair of skinny jeans. I'm also looking forward to throwing these on with a mini skirt and tank top for those nights out. These will have to do before I can afford anything like the hot Manolo's that my friend picked up this weekend. :)

I did some more browsing around while killing time before my Bar Method class (more on this in a later post) and quickly fell in love with the kate spade 'felice' flats!

I haven't found a pair of flats that I've really liked in forever and these are not only the perfect combo of cute and girly, but are SO comfortable. The price tag of $195 was a little too steep for me at the moment, but Fate works in mysterious ways. Although I had doubts, I scoured the internet in search of these cuties on sale and somehow, THEY WERE ON SALE. At 40% off on Nordstrom.com, my fingers did some clicking and by this time next week, I will have some adorable new flats to wear for the fall. I'm certain that these beautiful flats will quickly replace my black patent Revas as my go-to pair since the nude color will serve as a great pairing for any outfit.

Two great shopping excitements in one day made for a great Monday. As the fall season is finally starting to set upon LA, I'm looking forward to adding to my cold season wardrobe as well! Let's hope for some exciting new looks in the weeks to come.