Riding Boots

For several months I've been in search of a great pair of riding boots. Although this should be easy because there are about a million options out there right now, I haven't quite found the perfect pair. Part of the problem is that I have "athletic" calves so in order to fit a boot over a pair of pants, I definitely have to go with an extended calf option. So, after ordering and returning a couple pairs and searching high and low at several stores, I think I'm gonna go out on a limb and order a pair from J.Crew (big surprise right?!). Riding boots are super versatile and can be a wardrobe staple from fall through spring. I'm crossing my fingers that they fit well because I can't wait to wear them with leggings, jeans, and dresses! If you've been searching for a great pair of boots, now is the time to buy because there is a great chance you will find a pair on sale, which is the only way to go! Check out some of the styles below to help get you started...

Clockwise from top left: Cole Haan Air Liberty, Frye Dorado, Steve Madden, J.Crew Britten Tall Flat Boots

Essie

If you've never heard of this brand, it's time to get on board because it is hands down the best nail polish out there. It's called Essie and as far as I'm concerned, it's as perfect as nail polish can be! I discovered Essie when j.crew started carrying it as a part of one of their many partnerships, and I've been hooked ever since. The beauty of Essie is in the classic yet fashionable color schemes and with over 300 colors, the toughest decision you'll have to make is which color to choose. Retailing at $8.00 a bottle (gasp, I know I did!), it is a bit pricey but I promise it's so good that you'll think it's worth every penny. You can find Essie at your nearest Target or Ulta store, and of course on the Essie website. Good luck narrowing it down to just 1!

(Oh and the names are super fun and creative...pictured from the top: Knockout Punch, Mint Candy Apple, Haute as Hello, Limited Addiction)

Trend Watch: Denim Leggings

I absolutely cannot believe it's almost September! 2010 has been flying by, and with the arrival of fall just around the corner, that can only mean two things: COLLEGE FOOTBALL!!! (Can you tell I'm just a little excited about football season?) and...fall fashion! One thing that I've been seeing in practically every store and on every website that carries denim of any sort is denim leggings. Now I know they can seem a bit confusing because you wonder to yourself, now are these leggings or are they jeans? The answer to that question is simple...they are both! They are leggings made out of a thin stretch denim material, usually with a 5 pocket styling like jeans, but a super slim fit like leggings. So after I got over the fact that they (the fashion industry) were making leggings out of denim, I thought, there is no way these will look even remotely good on most people, and...what the heck do you wear them with? So as soon as they arrived at j.crew, I braved the fitting room with a pair of classic indigo wash denim leggings and to my surprise, they didn't look half bad! The best part about them is that they are extremely comfortable, which is a huge factor in what I decide to buy and wear. They look great paired with anything you would wear with traditional leggings, and even some shorter tops because of the 5 pocket styling which creates an illusion of more of a structured look. As far as shoes go, sandals, flats, or boots are all great options. The most important thing to consider is length, because you don't want them too long and bunching at the top of your shoe. So at least for now, denim leggings are definitely "in". If you've been avoiding this trend like the plague, I encourage you to try a pair for yourself...I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the fit and definitely by the comfort! Below are a few different pairs to check out, from a variety of stores in a range of washes.

William Rast Sienna Denim Leggings, $107.80 shopbop.com

Paige Denim Verdugo Legging, $179.00 Anthropologie

Overdyed Denim Four-Pocket Legging, $89.50 Banana Republic

Leggy Denim Jean in double-dip indigo wash, $88.00 j.crew

Legging Jeans in classic black, $95.00 Madewell

Legging Jeans (faded gray wash), $69.50 Gap

Women's Fall 1 At The Crew

Although it is still very much summer outside, in the world of retail, July is the time to bring out the new items for fall (crazy, right?!). Fall 1 (which is retail speak for the first set of items in the new floor set) has arrived at J.Crew and I've picked some of my favorite items to share with you. Although there are a lot of trendy things with each set of new arrivals, I try to stay more on the classic side, with pieces that are both versatile and wearable. There are some great color selections this season and many of these items will work effortlessly with what you already have in your wardrobe. So enjoy fall 1 and be on the lookout for my mens favs, coming soon!

Short icon trench

Rimini Cardigan

Overdyed black denim matchstick jean

Calista cami

Smart trouser short

Microspun pocket tank

Merino popover tunic

Sutton tall leather flat boots

Enchante dress

Cotton hammock dress

Brompton hobo

Denim Short Revival

Summer is well under way, and regardless of where you live in this great nation, chances are it's pretty dang hot! I am currently in the great state of South Carolina where temperatures today reached at least 98 degrees with a whopping (I am not kidding, get ready for this) 87% humidity! This kind of heat can make it difficult to decide what to wear, knowing that it will likely be sticking to you after less than 3 minutes outside. One thing is for sure, pants are out and shorts are in! I love skirts and dresses just as much (ok, probably more) than the next girl, and they will get their day in the sun, but today is about shorts and specifically the denim kind. You may have noticed denim shorts making a big come back on the fashion scene last summer and by the looks of things folks, they are here to stay. I remember them being a huge part of my wardrobe way back in elementary and middle school but after disappearing from the scene for several years, I am happy to see them making this resurgence into stores and closets everywhere. If you're not sold on the denim short trend, I would encourage you to give them a second look. Denim is such a versatile item in any wardrobe, and shorts of the denim kind are no different. They look effortless paired with a boyfriend t-shirt and sandals or dressed up with an embellished tank and heels. Really when it comes to denim shorts, the possibilities are endless! The majority of what we're seeing now are distressed, cut-off, cuffed, or boyfriend style however there is a wide range out there with price points varying as much as styles. I have included below several styles but for those of you who are not ready to invest in what might be a here-today-gone-tomorrow trend, don't forget that this would make for a super easy DIY project. All you need to do is take an old pair of jeans and cut to the desired length. Always make the initial cut longer than you want the actual inseam and make adjustments from there as needed. Next, simply roll, cuff, or leave the edge raw, and distress to your liking.

See Thru Soul Denim Shorts, $42.00 Nordstrom

Level 99 Carolina Shorts, $68.00 Anthropologie

Slim Slouch Shorts in Claystone Wash, $72.00 Madewell

See Thru Soul Cuffed Shorts, $48.00 Nordstrom

Paige Premium Denim 'Jimmy Jimmy' Stretch Denim Boyfriend Shorts, $129.00 Nordstrom

Joe's Carpenter Shorts, $99.95 Anthropologie

7 For All Mankind Honolulu Shorts, $99.95 Anthropologie

Denim Midi Shorts in Whitewash, $59.00 Madewell

Denim Shorts in Desire Wash, $72.00 J.Crew

Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon

Today I found myself shopping at Anthropologie in the Lennox Square Mall which is located in Buckhead, a quaint neighborhood in north Atlanta. Upon entering the store, my mom and I noticed an overwhelming number of sales associates dressed to impress, as well as an entire table full of baked goods, fruit and drinks, which in retail could only mean one thing-a special event! After browsing for a few minutes we learned that the author of the book, Vera: The Art and Life of an Icon would be doing a book signing in the store today. Until today, the only two Vera's in fashion that I knew of were Vera Wang and Vera Bradley. It only took a minute for my stylish mom to inform me that in fact, the original "Vera" was an artist who made beautiful scarves and other textiles, and was actually very well known in the fashion industry. After flipping through the book which chronicles the life and career of Vera Neumann, an accomplished designer, artist, and entrepreneur, I was inspired to do further research to find out more about this American icon. What I came to discover is that she believed fine art should not just be for the wealthy, but should be available to all and incorporated into everyone's daily lives. She understood the positive impact that bright colors and patterns could have on a person's day, and was in fact the first person to put a print on a bed sheet! Anthropologie has designed a line of items from furniture, to linens, to clothing called "We Heart Vera" which are inspired by the designs of Vera's classic scarves. Below I have included some pictures of her work, which is quite amazing. So a special shout out to the late Vera Neumann, for putting prints on bed sheets and table linens, and making beautiful pieces of wearable art. What an inspiration!

They're Not Just for Sailing Anymore!

The majority of the summer I live in my brown rainbow flip flops, what I would argue and many would agree to be the best sandals ever! On the off day that I need or want to wear an actual shoe, I look no farther than my good ole Sperry Top-Siders. Sperry's have been the iconic boat shoe for 75 years and offer a wide range of colors and styles to fit the likes of most anybody. They look great with shorts, skirts, cropped pants or denim, and they're comfortable too! Below are just a few examples of Sperry's versatile line-you're sure to find something to please prepsters to hipsters to fashionistas alike!

From top to bottom: Women's Authentic Original 2-Eye Boat Shoe in Classic Brown, Women's Authentic Original 2-Eye Patent in Orange Patent 2, Women's Angelfish Slip On-Boat Shoe in Blush/Oat, Women's Seasonal Bahama in Yellow Tie-Dye, Women's Authentic Original 2-Eye Metallic Boat Shoes in Platinum Gold.