Little Orange Riding Bike

Ok, I don't know how those gorgeously dressed European women do it! To be fair to myself, I did just learn to ride a bike less than a year ago. For the longest time, I could only go straight and turn, but once I turned I would just continue in a circle until I jumped off. I could not for the life of me get the bike straight again after a turn..until last year! I may have screamed constantly and endangered many a tree, but I succeeded in learning how to fully ride a bike and no trees were hurt in the process.

      The past few times I was in Europe, I had the pleasure of staying in Italy and France. In the summer, I saw women in beautiful draped dresses and HEELS zipping through traffic on bikes and vespas! Although it's easier to ride vespas in a skirt, I had none around and made due with my boyfriend's childhood bike aka perfect size for my short legs. 

     I love how the circle skirt drapes around the bike as I ride it. It just reminds me of Audrey Hepburn in Roman Holiday. It's got such a retro feel, and riding a bike is such a thrill. I can't help but smile in the photos :)

     Now if only I had the guts to ride a bike in Europe when I go on vacation...

Draped top | River Island
Circle skirt | Asos
Lattice sandals | Jessica Simpson (similar here)
Sunglasses | Kate Spade

Can someone tell me how to ride a bike gracefully??

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Polka Dotted Retro Beauty

Ok, someone needs to cut me off. I've gone and bought something from thredUP again! Second time in a month since finding out about them (1st time can be found here). I think I'm in trouble!

     This dress is a literal combo of my two of my biggest fashion loves: thrifting and Asos.

     It's one of those dresses you put on and instantly know it'll be with you for years. The cut and gathering of the dress lent a retro vibe to the dress so I wanted to pair it with my favorite Catarzi pillbox hat for the photo shoot despite the warm, humid weather.

     I have fallen head over heels for this dress. It is spotted in adorable polka dots, has figure flattering ruching at the waist, and is easy to run errands in (I did my Reiss press day in this!).

Best part?

Office appropriate? ✓
After-work drinks fun? ✓
Dinner date good? ✓

Polka dot pencil dress | Asos
(similar here, like this one)
Two-tone pumps | Schutz (leopard version here)
Pillbox hat | Catarzi
Perforated bucket bag | Neiman Marcus
Mother of pearl necklace | Ippolita (similar here)
Arm party | Shashi, Gorjana (ring)

Have you tried thredUP yet?

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Team Jenny Mermaid Nails & LWD

I wasn't joking! Anything lace inspired, and I'm there with credit card in hand. This eyelet shift is from J. Crew last year. If you've been reading from the beginning then you know I've worn it once. But last time was a bit more classic: standalone shift paired with vibrant neon colors in the Kate Spade yellow clutch, green and blue thin strap heeled sandals, and wavy hair.

     This time, I went for a boyish look accompanied with delicate, dainty jewelry for a touch of femininity. I love wearing shifts for their functionality, but as a short, curvy girl it's easy to look like an oompa loompa from Willy Wonka's chocolate factory. 

     A lot of streetstyle stars tie shirts around their waist for added dimension. I decided to use this trend to create some definition in my figure! The results? I definitely find shift dresses more appropriate for my small stature now, even for blog photos! Maybe you'll see more in the future :)

     And can I point out the amazing nail job? My friends at Team Jenny Nails painted my nails over the weekend, and it reminded me of the beach! The colors of the sea surrounded by bits of gold glitter like the sun reflecting off the water as sea foam washes up a starfish! Ahhhh! Makes me motivated to try and paint my nails all the time now to match my outfits. We shall see....

Eyelet dress | J. Crew
(similar here, like this one)
Chambray shirt | Zara
Platform sandals | L.A.M.B.
Sunglasses | Kate Spade
Accessories | Shashi, Handmade, Gorjana, Jules Smith

Are you shift dress averse too?

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Love it to the Max(i)

Old reliable: The Outnet. Everything I buy from the Outnet makes me look and feel amazing.

It's been over 3 years since I started buying from the Outnet, and I've loved every piece from them.

I used to buy a ton of pieces from fast fashion stores like H&M or Zara, but after thrifting vintage pieces and gently used designer brands, I realized I needed to invest in "lifetime" pieces. Pieces I know that will last me this lifetime.

     This ensemble is the perfect example! The Oxford button down is a staple everyone should have in their closet. Its versatility lends itself to business functions paired with a pencil skirt or brunch with a good pair of jeans.

     Same applies for the skirt. I originally dreamt of walking on sandy beaches with this skirt, but as I have no vacations planned, it was right at home for a nice dinner date instead. To be honest, I felt exposed, because it felt like I was wearing nothing below the waist! That's how lightweight and breezy it is, but I know I'll be thankful the moment our weather hits 100 degrees and the humidity index is 90+. Maybe after my overnight oat diet, I'll be able to wear this with a crop top on a nice summer weekend!

Oxford shirt | Uniqlo
Maxi skirt | Enza Costa
Platform sandals | L.A.M.B.
Handbag | Coach
Mother of Pearl watch | Roven Dino

Do you live by fast fashion or lifetime pieces?

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Reiss AW15 Press Day

After Life Lately, I met some amazing brands including Reiss, who invited me to attend their Press Day and preview their upcoming season. This was my first Press anything so I was more than a little nervous about what to wear, say, do, etc. I tried to do research, but unfortunately, there's not much on this topic, let alone from a small blogger's point of view. So I've decided in the next week or two to write a post detailing what to expect, what happens, what to wear, etc. If you have anything specific for me to address in the post, just comment below and I'll be sure to include it in the post!

I loved their jewelry. It consisted of some of the biggest trends hitting stores this year such as the stone inset bracelets reminiscent of Aimee Song's pyramid stone bracelets.

Onto my first Press Day. It was a bit odd looking at winter coats, sweaters, and gloves during one of the nicest summer days we've had. Sun scattered across showroom and warmed the top floor of the Bryant Park Hotel. With the whole floor rented out, they were able to display all three lines: 1971, womenswear, and menswear.

Born in London in 1971, Reiss made its first foray into fashion with fashionable yet functional menswear. Since then, Reiss creates luxury menswear, womenswear and accessories. Priding itself on delivering bold, original and stylish fashion, Reiss effortlessly fuses exceptional design, quality and value. It can count Kate Middleton as one of its loyal customers due to consistently delivering incomparable womenswear.

Since 2009, Reiss has curated 1971 as their younger, edgier sub-brand. It consists of more knits, vibrant colors, and various textures such as this combo. The leather hugs and keeps you warm while the printed dress keeps things light. I seriously can't wait to get my hands on this!

I loved the 1971 accessories. I imagined a noir film femme fatale tipping this wide brimmed hat over finger curls with the matching pinot noir leather gloves. Just loved how these accessories transported me to another time!

#blackandblue or #whiteandgold? :P

As the revival of the 70's has shown us, many designers are looking to the past for inspiration, and it's clearer than ever that Reiss has looked to the glamorous flapper girl for inspiration in rich hues.

The big bows on the shoulder straps for this vibrant orange dress were gorgeous. If I could, I would have snapped this up right then and there!

How darling are those peek-a-boo black heels??

A theme featured throughout Reiss's AW15 collection was this gold hardware on the heels of its shoes. It reminds me of Tibi's all gold heel from a few seasons back, which soon showed up in all the Zaras, H&Ms, and Forever 21s.
You know what that means: this trend's going to be everywhere in a few months!

Last but not least, I had to take a photo of Reiss menswear accessories. The hats are my special favorite. They are a collaboration between the famous Christy's over in the UK and Reiss. The wide brimmed hats are "travelling hats" meaning they are the only hats you can squish, flatten, or pack in your suitcase that will retain its shape when you take it out again! It may be part of the men's collection, but I know for a fact I'm getting one!

What would you buy from the collection?

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)

Thrifting Reform(ation)

I'm taking it back to why I started this blog: thrifting.

I never felt comfortable with most fast fashion trends and boutiques. But for the longest time, I didn't think I had any other fashionable option so I followed suit and wore whatever was available. Then I stumbled upon the world of blogging, introduced to thrifting darlings such as Nicole Warne, and had my eyes opened up to a whole new world of possibility. I could wear midi skirts with peter pan collars, indulge in bows on everything, and vintage clothes with a touch of whimsy.

Thrifting was a gateway drug.

However, since moving to New Jersey for work, I have found the thrifting resources here are a bit bare. It's filled with a lot less vintage pieces, and more upcycled fast fashion. My only option for good thrifting was to go into NY every time I had the thrifting bug, that is, until recently.

I buy clothes online all the time, but thrifted pieces are another story. Their inherent nature of being "pre-loved" pieces makes them bound to show signs of wear, but would I find them acceptable? Did the company's "like new" mean a beaten up old rag or still with tags? I took a leap of faith, and gave thredUP a try (my lack of thrifting the past few months played no part in this decision, I swear). With free returns and a coupon code, I couldn't really lose. Boy, am I glad I trusted my thrifting gut and bought from thredUP!

I bought a bunch of beautiful pieces including this one from the Brooklyn-based brand, Reformation. I've lusted over their beautiful dresses for YEARS. They originally started by creating one of a kind dresses from vintage fabrics. Each dress embodied the grace of eras past without being outdated. They hinted at sexiness with its sheerness and design. With their growing popularity, they've since moved to using sustainable fabrics in conjunction with vintage fabrics, but stayed true to the original design of the dresses. I loved it so much I couldn't decide on just my usual 5 photo round up, and had to upload 10. Sorry!

So my verdict on thredUP? They're really awesome & here's why.

First Bit of Awesome: A lot of "New with Tags"

The majority of the clothes are "New with tags" or like new. I was a nerd and read their guidelines for sellers. They have really high standards. They refuse old clothing, or anything showing signs of wear, but they will always disclose any imperfections found like pilling or mild fraying).

Second Bit of Awesome: Range of Choices

They carry every brand imaginable. There were big names like Louis Vutton, Tory Burch, & J.Crew but also indie brands like Shabby Apple & Free People! They also have a varied range in products including shoes, handbags, maternity, and petites. Literally, a little something for everyone!

So if you're itching to thrift, and can't get to a store, then I highly suggest you try thredUP! If you still have questions on how it works, then check it out here. If you do buy from thredUP, let me know as I'd love to see your finds!

Sheer dress | Reformation

(here or similar here/here)

Two tone pumps | Schutz (leopard version here)

Satchel with top handle | Kate Spade (here)

Gold-plated belt | Asos

Tortoise shell sunglasses | Kate Spade

Disc earrings | Jules Smith 

Mother of pearl necklace | Ippolita (similar here)

Arm party | Shashi, Handmade, Gorjana (ring)

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Linking up Shanna, Lauren, Lindsey, Jen, Zarouhi, & Sarah :)