Preppy Pep

Back in the Spring, I made a promise to myself to get back into shape again for Summer- a promise that has been broken {consistently} in Summers past. I must say, this is the most progress I have made, so I am very happy with myself. It also gives me tons of motivation to keep it up. Hence my newfound fondness of shopping for athletic wear- when you spend so much time doing activities, you have to have an array of fun pieces to keep you going! Which is why I was so happy when I came across these workout shorties from designer, Lauren James. They are perfectly sweet, yet tough enough for a workout. Plus, they are made in the good 'ole U.S.A.

{Shop Lauren James}

Feelin' the Fourth

The 4th of July has always been my favorite holiday. It is the culmination of Summer, Stars, & Stripes- three of my most favorite things. This is most likely why I never have a problem pulling together patriotic pieces that will add a little pep to your step. Here is what I am lovin' right now...

{Shop: Tee, Necklace, Towel, Shorts, Sunglasses, Ring, Nail Polish, Watch, Scarf}

Fashion Review: Zimmermann Resort 2015

Can we just take a moment and talk about the perfection that is Zimmermann's 2015 Resort collection? The lattice and lace work is heavenly; I imagine wearing them to a garden party or just twirling around in circles. I have seen a few other great Resort collections, but for me, this one takes the cake!

{Zimmermann Resort 2015}

Flagpole Swimma

After having lived in coastal cities my whole life, I have amassed quite a collection of swimsuits. I have suit shopping down to a science- the key to picking a swim win is marrying your personal style with your body type. Once you have that figured out, the sky is the limit with all of the beautiful swim collections available today. When I came across Flagpole Swim, I had to pause for a moment. First off, they are made in NYC- love that! Secondly, they are made with Italian fabrics- can't you feel the buttery textures just looking at them?! Co-founders Megan Balch and Jaime Barker, have also done a wonderful job translating the essence of the swimwear line into chic apparel pieces that can get to you to & from the beach. Here are a few of my favorite picks...

{Flagpole Swim}

Bad To the Bone

Good girl gone bad? Perhaps! I am obsessing over the subtle skull applique detail on these long sleeve tees by Kings of Cole. For those of you heading to the desert for Coachella, I could not think of a more perfect tee to have on hand for when the sun starts to set.

{Shop Kings of Cole}

Royals

I was lucky enough to stumble upon a few African wax print companies in recent weeks. One of my absolute favorites is The Royal Native. While shorty shorts generally tend to freak me out, I am starting to wonder if these are just so darn cool that I might have to throw caution to the wind and go for it!

{Shop The Royal Native}

Helmet Heads

I will admit that I didn't watch the big game on Sunday. Mostly because the 49ers didn't make it this year, and I didn't feel any overall ties to either the Broncos or the Seahawks. I did however come across the collaboration between the CFDA & Bloomingdale's, and if the players wore these helmets, I might have been more inclined to watch. Here are a few of my favorites...

  

Nicole Miller, Fenton/Fallon

Alice + Olivia, Steven Alan

Dannijo, Eugenia Kim

Billy Reid, Alejandro Inglemo

{check out the whole collab here}

Paper Magic

I have a friend who is in a league of her own when it comes to origami. I, on the other hand, can only make a paper plane- and not a very good one, at that! This is why I am in love with these Origami Necklaces. You don't have to be very good at rocking the paper skills, you can just flaunt one around your neck and call it a day.

{Origami Necklaces}

Gemset

If matching your shoes to your handbag is such an old school way of thinking, what about matching your bra to your earrings, revolutionary?! Here are a few of my current favorite bralettes perfectly paired with the season's shiniest gems...

 {SHOP: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14}

Rock Band

I am a complete and total girl when it comes to sparkles and gems. So, even better when an occasion arises where I can put them on my head. Here's are a few of the seasons sparkliest stunners...

{shop: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12}

Spotlight: Wai Ming

I recently came across Emily Brady Koplar's clothing line, Wai Ming, and fell hard for her dresses. Utterly sophisticated, yet easily wearable. Her Katrina dress {top left} is a dream. I want to wear this dress all Winter long. I feel Emily has a real knack for fabrics, as she seems to have picked so many buttery looking textiles to represent her collection. I can't wait to see what she has coming out for Spring 2014.

{Shop Wai Ming Studio here}

Fashion Review: Bottega Veneta

Though the fashion weeks are long gone, I realized I still had quite a few snaps from some collections, including Bottega Veneta. Bottega is one of those brands that is never a-miss for me. One day, I imagine stocking my closet with woven classics, and pleated pretties. Until then, the runway recap will have to do...

 {Bottega Veneta: Style.com}

Fashion Review: Aquilano Rimondi

Aquilano Rimondi, I love you. The Spring Summer collection was reminiscent of Prada, and not in the least is that a bad thing. I was obsessed with the ruffle pieces, satin fabrics, and applique bralettes. The colors worked together in complete harmony, and I am smitten. I want it all.

{Aquilano Rimondi: Style.com}

Fashion Review: Alberta Feretti

Alberta Feretti never disappoints. Her designs are very much in line with what I like, so it's easy for her collections to always get an A+ from me. Spring/ Summer 2014 was no exception. I love the black and white with floral detail textiles. The dresses were easy, and perfect for warm weather. 

{Alberta Feretti: Style.com}

Fashion Review: Alexander Wang

I love Alexander Wang's design aesthetic- super clean, yet unbelievable stylish. His pieces evoke minimalistic ease. I loved a few looks from his S/S14 collection so much- the stylish pajama short set? I'm in. What I did not enjoy were some of the models- a bit too zombie-ish looking for me.

{Alexander Wang- Style.com)

Fashion Review: Peter Som

I have slowly been delving into the process of reviewing all the fashion shows from the Spring Summer 2014 collections that took place in NY the past couple of weeks- it is no easy feat! I start with my favorite designers, and that's why Peter Som is up first. Peter grew up in San Francisco, so for some reason I feel like we are kindred spirits.For his Spring Summer 2014 collection, he showed relaxed styles with fun, beach-chic worthy prints. Just my style.

{Peter Som Spring Summer 2014}

Bow Down

Just a little background on a few words I have been personally working on in my life... "need" & "want". Granted, you don't need very much to get by in the world. But, when pieces as gorgeous as these little bow works of art from Delpozo visualize themselves, all bets are off. "Want" wins every single time.

{available here for pre-order from Moda Operandi}