Summer Essential

Hat: Wet Seal / Dress: Gianni Bini / Shoes: ZooShoo / Shades: Citi Trends 

A big floppy hat is one of my summer essentials. Not only does it serve a great functional purpose on a bright sunny day but, it is also one of the most fashionable accessories around. Last week, Wet Seal was running its classic buy one get one for a penny sale and my mom (who is currently cruising the Caribbean) needed a floppy hat for herself. She decided spare a penny on my behalf so I could have one as well. This outfit is ideal for brunch with friends or a dressy dinner. 

Candles in the Sun

Crop Top & Skirt c/o: eShakti / Sandals: Ralph Lauren / Bracelet: Banana Republic / Shades: The Limited 

Maybe this is a symptom of my youth, but here lately I've been waking up excited for the new adventure that comes with each and every day. Though at times the uncertainty of what's to come can be unsettling, I'm learning to enjoy the process of figuring out my future. On this particular Sunday afternoon, I decided to take a break from thinking about the future and snap some photos in this beautiful retro look sent to me from the online women's retailer, eShakti. 

I'm a huge fan of classic silhouettes and 50s glamour inspired pieces, so I'm not sure how I hadn't learned of this online jewel sooner. They have a huge selection of dresses, skirts and even jackets. What also makes eShakti so fabulous is that they offer sizes from 0-36W and, each order is customized.

I ordered this matching crop top and pleated skirt set in a Small, but as a pear shape (smaller bust, fuller hips)I ran into my usual problem of the top being too large and the bottom fitting perfectly. I had the top taken in just slightly, but this cotton set is so darling that I can't complain about having to get extra alterations. I paired with the look my cork Ralph Lauren sandals I got for my birthday and my MAC lipstick in Sin. 

Hands down this is one of my favorite blog looks to date. 

And as if there isn't already good reason to head over to eShakti to shop, they've created a special coupon code just for So Sophisticated. 1992  readers. Enter the code: SpkeS to get 10% off your eShakti purchase now thru 6/28! You can also follow eShakti on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter. 

Peek-A-Boo

Vest: c/o Deb Shops / Dress: Thrifted (similar)/ Shoes:  Converse / Sunglasses: Borrowed

One of my favorite aspects of thirfting is the thrill of the hunt. About a month ago I took a study break in between preparing for finals and went to the thrift store with my friend Amanda. When I came across this black and white striped dress I was a bit hesitant to purchase it because it was a polyester blend, but when I put it on, I knew that I had to have it as summer staple in my wardrobe. On this particular day I went for a laid back look throwing on my faux-leather vest and Chuck Taylors. For a little bit of glam I applied my Bare Minerals Moxie Lipstick in Lead the Way, Gold Link Bracelet and shades. Oh, and isn't the little peek-a-boo of leg just the right amount of sexy without trying to be? 

Girl About Town

Shirt: The Limited / Shorts: Marilyn Monroe / Shoes: Nine West via TJ Maxx/ Purse: Kate Spade / Bracelet: Express

Yesterday I celebrated 22 years of living in  hot pink hot pants, my precious Kate Spade bag and a new hot pink lip. I purchased these shorts last week while wasting time before getting my hair done and didn't try them on until yesterday morning. Though my first thought when I put them on was, "these are little shorter than I thought they would be," I couldn't resist their color and decided to indulge just this once for my birthday. Once I was dressed, I couldn't help but feel that in some way my outfit was lacking, so I made a trip to the MAC counter for a fun pink lip! 

I've never felt comfortable enough to wear pink lipstick before, so this shopping trip was somewhat of big deal. I tried on several shades of pink, until I finally settled on "Girl About Town." The girl at the counter tried to persuade me into "Pink Pigeon," but I wasn't a fan of the matte finish. She kept trying to entice me into buying it saying, "but this is the new style" and "not many people have this color yet." Despite her persuasions, at 22 I've learned that it's not so much about fitting in as it is being comfortable. I brought "Girl About Town" and confidently sported my pink lips around town as I did some birthday shopping. 

This was the perfect birthday outfit for me in that it was girly, simple and pink. 

Getting Fancy in Atlanta

Blouse: The Limited / Skirt: Forever21/ Heels: Rainbow/ Purse: Banana Republic / Earrings: H&M

Last Wednesday two of my girlfriends and I took a road trip to Atlanta as an early celebration of our upcoming graduation. Tuckered out from our more than six hour drive, we relaxed in our hotel room the first night there, but on the second night, we channeled our inner "Georgia Peach" and got a little snazzy. I wore a silk camisole from The Limited with a beaded skirt from Forever21. When I say that I love this skirt, I really mean that  I love this skirt. The mix of chartreuse and silver beads is just the prettiest thing! I added a pop of color with my new hot pink bedazzled purse from Banana Republic and hot pink nails, courtesy of the Jessica Simpson Collection Team. 

Earlier in the day my girls and I made our way to All Star Nails of Atlanta where we had a Pop Up Nail Party. Though it was rainy and dreary, after a long day of shopping, getting our nails done was the perfect prelude to our night. 

Choosing a nail color is always a difficult task for me! 

Amanda looking flawless in her Beyonce Tee as she awaited her manicure! 

DeE wasn't quite ready for her closeup. 

As you can see, I really needed this manicure. Lol, I also chose the polish "Love's A Beach" by China Glaze. 

When our manicures were complete, we headed back to the room and got fancy. You've already seen how I get fancy, now look at how my girls clean up! 

Amanda stunned in a black and white chevron peplum top from Banana Republic, a black pencil skirt, black patent heels and white clutch from H&M. I especially like how she made the look pop with her red lip! 

DeErricka showed off her flirty side in a cobalt blue crop top and faux leather skater skirt, both from Forever21. Her multi-colored pumps are Nine West and she purchased them at Belk. The crop top trend is one that I am a huge fan of, so of course I love how she pulled this look together. 

Once we were all fancied up, we took to the (wet) streets of Downtown Atlanta for a little fun. To finish off our looks, we each splashed on a hint of Fancy Girl! Now, for those of you on Instagram, you have a chance to win a gift set of Fancy Girl too! Here's how: 

A special thank you to the Jessica Simpson Team and good luck to all who enter!