Holy Chic!

T-shirt: Old Navy / Skirt: New York & Co / Belt: The Limited / Pumps: Enzo Angiolini/ Gloves: TJ Maxx / Fur: The Loft (old) /Shades: TJ Maxx (similar)

If you follow me on Instagram you know that I spent the past few days in New York City catching up with my best friend. We spent 70 percent of our time shopping, 20 percent of it singing, dancing and posting snapchat videos to Beyonce's 7/11 and the other 10 percent eating. It's literally been a year since I last saw my best friend but what stood out the most to me during our time together was how much we have both matured. I know that I have matured stylistically and confidence wise based solely on the fact that 1-2 years ago I would have been crawling out of my skin and super uncomfortable to wear something as gaudy and boisterous as this. 

I felt like such a diva as I posed for these pictures though and can't wait for an excuse to slip back into this outfit. I've done the whole screen print tee + pencil skirt look several times before on the blog (ie. Flawless, Love in the Equation), but what adds more dimension to this particular look are the many different textures of my accessories. The faux-fur around my neck is actually a collar that I removed from a sweater I purchased a few years back. Since it was so so cold there, it was just as much for warmth as for looks. The leather gloves were also another part of the look that doubled for practicality and style. Also, in the past I would have probably needed a good excuse to justify wearing something like this but now the only excuse I need is that I'm a grown woman and I can do whatever I want! Lol

 

The Ralph Lo-Ren Skirt

Top: The Limited / Skirt: Ralph Lauren via Godwill / Sandals: c/o Deb Shops / Bag: The Limited / Bracelet: Banana Republic 

Here in the South we say "Ralph Laurreen" but I've been reading The End of Fashion: How Marketing Changed the Clothing Business Forever, and according to Teri Agins its pronounced "Lo-Ren." Regardless of the pronunciation, this Ralph Lauren silk wrap skirt is everything to me! I found it in the Goodwill and even before reading the label, recognized the print as one of the brand. This classic skirt proved to be the perfect mate with my silk white cami from The Limited, red strappy sandals and cat eye shades. My family and I made a trip to my grandma's house for breakfast and this was a simple and fun summery look.  

Its also quite ironic that I came across this skirt as in Agins' End of Fashion book, there is an entire chapter devoted to the history and success of designers Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger. So far I've learned that Ralph Lauren began his career selling and designing men's ties, that he decided to change his last name from Lifshitz to Lauren at a fairly young age and also that he spent roughly $13 million to save the American flag. I guess that could explain the All-American vibe I get from this look. 

24K

Top: The Limited / Pants: TJ Maxx / Hat: Marshalls  / Shoes: Jessica Simpson / Purse: c/o Deb / Shades: Rue21

I invested in my first baseball cap this past fall as a way to remedy bad hair days but never did I think I would develop a new obsession. I love throwing on a baseball cap with a polished look like this one to make it a tad more casual. This look in particular could be described as sporty luxe because even though the cap is casual, the black and gold color palette is fancy, schmancy. To really make this look more casual, I would ditch my fab Jessica Simpson pumps for my black chucks. 

P.S. If you're in the RDU area, head to Southpoint Mall tonight to see Clinton Kelly! 

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! 

Giving Winter the Boot

Dress: Gap/ Boots: Jessica Simpson Collection (old) / Sunglasses: The Limited (old) / Phone Case: c/o Iconemesis

If you ask me, there is no better way to get rid of winter than to give it the boot. So, yesterday that is exactly what I did. I've been itching to slip into this flamingo pink dress that I got a Gap on super clearance (I'm talking $7) back in January but with the frigid temperatures we've been experiencing in North Carolina, the opportunity hadn't presented itself. When we finally cracked 75 degrees yesterday I didn't hesitate to pull this baby out. Since it's still officially winter I decided to pair with it my JS boots. I love them and pretty soon I won't be able to wear them in the NC heat. I love the color of this dress and can't wait to remix it with cute flats and jewelry throughout the spring.

Also, it just so happened that my outfit yesterday matched the super cute phonecase sent to me by Iconemesis of the UK. How adorable are the little bunnies? 

Ms. Pope in a White Coat

Coat: Kenneth Cole (similar) / Shirt: The Limited / Jeans: Gap/ Shoes: c/o Deb 

Though I was temporarily preoccupied by Beyonce's surprise album release (Drunk in Love remains on repeat!), I'm currently going through withdrawals from my favorite show, Scandal. There won't be another new episode until Feb. 27, which means I have to wait another two months before I'm able to spend an hour lusting over Olivia Pope's wardrobe again. In my opinion, one of the most iconic pieces from Olivia's closet  is her white Tory Burch trench coat.

I've been dying to have an Olivia Pope moment of my own, so when my Nina gifted me with this white Kenneth Cole trench, I knew the time was finally right. She managed to find this coat priced at more than 60% off at Rugged Wearhouse. It was also the only one in the store and luckily, in my size. I hope the weather doesn't begin to warm up anytime soon, because I am looking forward to more Olivia Pope moments in my white coat.