South Africa Wish List

J.Crew passport cover, Linell Ellis clutch

The flights have been booked, the window seats chosen, the AirBnB secured, the day trips booked…I’m ready for my next big trip! If you’ve been following me on Twitter you’ll know where I’m headed, but for those of you who don’t…it’s South Africa! I depart in less than a month, spending a one-day layover in London (my first time), two days in Johannesburg just in time for Fashion Week (seriously, NYFW is for newbs; time to go international!), and then a full week in the glorious Cape Town. With under a month to go I’m in full acquisition mode, trying to make sure I have anything and everything I may need, sartorial and otherwise.

Here’s a peak into what I’m hoping to be packing…

For Love and Lemons “Antigua Mini Dress”; for a casual yet trendy date out; hoping this won’t be too skin-baring, but paired with a leather jacket I think it will perfect (and maybe even a good look for Fashion Week!).

Going with the spring trend of “cool girl gingham”, a printed midi skirt is a perfect-for-layering multi-use piece to have packed. It could be worn with sandals and a tee for casual exploring, or with a button up for a more dressed up vibe. Definitely a piece to wear for the wineries, too!

When you go to Africa, you like, have to go on a safari. This Philip Lim dress is the perfect dress for four-wheeling around the desert amongst the wildlife, though this vintage-lover will probably end up in a thrifted Banana Republic (they did begin as safari wear, did you know!?)

As for footwear, I’ll be bringing a bunch of my favorites but am coveting some cozy yet sporty-trendy flat sandals. These glammed up Steve Madden’s are perfect for pairing with cuffed denim or flirty dresses.

And, because I’ll be in Africa and on the coast and diving into pools, one swimsuit isn’t enough. This Kiini Swimsuit is the perfect blend of bohemian trendy and bold colors to play off the natural scenery. #gimme

Case of Love Camera bag (for toting around and keeping my camera safe), from Fashion Week to the beach; shark diving and the safari, this bag will be chic yet purposeful.

Something about polka dots screams “flirty and fabulous”, and this being an anniversary trip with my love, that is definitely the vibe I’m going for. I’m thinking this Rock Frock dress for a day date of exploring the city innards.

 

Have you ever traveled to Cape Town or Johannesburg? What would YOU pack?

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Tonight You’re Electrical

unchained like an animal
you’re glitter and gold


You know how there’s rules to life? There’s a big one; something like “don’t start a new job, buy a house, get married, have a kid, or any combination of those in the same year”. This little lady, who’s moved and swapped jobs more times than she’d liked to admit is knocking off two within a month. NO I’m not pregnant or getting married. If you follow me on InstaGram you may have seen that Z and I have been house hunting. It started with “just looking” but we soon realized the competitive and booming real estate market that is DC. So after finding a charming 3 bedroom fixer upper, we’ve made an offer; the same day I started a new full time job.
To call me overwhelmed would be an understatement. I’m a slew of emotions ranging from nervous, scared, happy, excited, tired, stressed, creative…with 3 bedrooms we’ll have a lot of space to decorate and have already started planning, designing, pinning, and I’ve even decided there will be more decor posts here on the blog (hope that’s okay that I drag you all along on this home journey)!
As for this outfit; this is one of my go-to summer dresses. Bold color, a shape that requires no bra, and fun to play both up and down. With this new job and the home stuff, outfit posts may get a little slower but I promise the premise of this blog will not change! You will still get your recommended dose of versatile style inspiration, of that I assure you!

Cynthia Steffe Dress via Urban Chic
Monogram necklace c/o ONecklace
Francesca’s Collection earrings
Bag c/o ByLucianaM
iPhone case c/o Iconemesis

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I shine, the city never looked so bright

This is a super fun, pattern playing look that I wore recently to the grand opening of Calypso St Barth’s in Georgetown! I love the fashion forward yet office style feel of the look, and the comfort factor was a major plus. The ensemble was also great for the amazing networking and mingling at the event; shout out to the lovely new ladies I met!

Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl’s trousers
Tank via TJ Maxx
Vintage luggage bag
Zara blazer
Michael Kors watch
ring from Francesca’s Collection
gifted ONecklace initial necklace
thrifted heels via Saver’s

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I Thought Maybe We Could Save Ourselves

Coming up slow
We’re falling quicklyA perfect fall fashion combination; mixing a little bit of conservative class (Brooks Brothers blouse) with an edgy sweater (Narciso Rodriguez for Kohl’s), a classic watch (Michael Kors), and a little bit of glam (Persun Mall necklace). The purple hues contrast the warm tones of the changing leaves around my home.

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Hopeless Girls Still Walk

On hot and humid days like we’ve been experiencing, it’s been my motto that less clothes is better. I’m talking free-boobing ladies! Seriously, on hot days there’s nothing better than throwing on a backless dress and some sandals and enjoying a bit of breeze where you normally wouldn’t get one (no, not THERE you sick-os!) I first fell in love with this dress at PacSun just under a year ago, and eventually found it on super sale at their outlet (after pondering it for a solid couple weeks). Ofcourse it’s a mix between two of my favorite colors, black and chartreuse, and the backless details allows for that nice breeze and a fun way to show off a little ink. Ya Digg!?top/dress from PacSun
Vintage/thrifted knotted maxi skirt
Claire’s Accessories scarf
Michael Kors watch
Nordstrom friendship bracelet
BCBG pyramid stud bracelet
Stein and Blye gifted silver bracelet
DIY neon friendship bracelet
Sandals from Mystique Boutique NYC

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Another Long Winter Trying to Fight this Freeze

Waiting on the cold’s got a hold on me
a hold on me
so hold onto me

Baby, it’s COLD outside! Here in the north east it’s been a steady ten degrees Fahrenheit for a couple of days now and all I have to say is praise the gods for Uniqlo’s HeatTech, I honestly don’t know how I survived before I discovered with almost 3 years ago…This heat generating line features Japanese technology in light weight basics which are perfect for looking effortlessly chic in these below freezing temps.

Banana Republic skirt
Sweater from Urban Outfitters
Jacket from Macy’s
Uniqlo HeatTech tights
H&M booties

photos by Greg Easton

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If You Were a Telephone You’d Still Be Off The Hook

Thrifted tee
Forever21 Varsity Jacket
BCBG Max Azria leather skirt
Target Merona OTK socks
MIA Shoes boots via Macy’s
Vintage luggage bag
Sunglasses c/o 80sPurple

Childhood charm bracelet
Pandora charm bracelet
Michael Kors watch
BCBGeneration bracelet

all photos by Greg Easton

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Sweet Floursecent Enemies

I feel like this is one of the boldest outfits I’ve done before; toying with loose layers and variant shades. I’m still frightful of pattern mixing (it makes my OCD go nuts) but I feel I’m stepping in the right direction with this. Then again, maybe I’m giving myself too much credit.

DIY Jeans from H&M

Lands End shirt

Forever 21 sweater

M.I.A wedges

TopShop necklace

Michael Kors Watch

Simply Vera Wang bracelet from Kohl’s

Target bangles

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My Darling I’m Taking My Life Back to Start Healing

If you haven’t caught on by now I’m quite a fan of the whole neon trend; more specifically the lime-ade hue. This caged back dress was the perfect addition to my closet, even if it’s a size too big. It has the perfect subtle hints of playfulness and sexiness.

Kirra dress via PacSun

Aldo oxford flats

Michael Kors watch

Nordstrom chain bracelet

DIY Friendship bracelet

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I’ve Lost A Lot But I Won’t Let This Die

Simple outfit I wore to the mall to stock up on some fall pieces with my sister! Kept it fairly simple.

Sorry for my absence, I’ve had little support, morally and financially lately and was feeling really down and irrelevant (really; how could I define my life’s worth by whether or not I own Jeffrey Campbell’s). But with the help of a new job and a smidge of support from my mother and sister, I’m back! and though I’m taking a break from this season’s Fashion Week (the first I haven’t been a part of since 2008) I’m ready to dedicate myself and be back at it better than EVER come February. Until then, my outfit posts may subside, but I solemnly swear to update at least once a week.

Now, back to the outfit….

DIY detached collar

Thrifted tee from Saver’s

BCBG skirt

Calvin Klein flats

R&Em gifted bag

Ear chain from HotTopic

Michael Kors watch

Urban Outfitters ring

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