summer tote

For the past few years or so, I have been searching for a great summer bag -- something over-sized and a little bit slouchy, but with enough structure to still keep things sophisticated. I think I've finally found everything I've been looking for in this Baggu tote. Love the raw edges and easy caramel color, and even the tiny stamped logo -- a perfect combination that just feels like summertime.

{Club Monaco jacket (similar); J.Crew dress (old but love this $, this $$) and shoes (old); Baggu tote (want the black version too!) c/o Red Envelope (love their gifts for her); Karen Walker sunnies; J.Crew bracelet}

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sporty meets girly

In case you haven't noticed, I love a good pattern. I spotted and obsessed over this adorable caterpillar printed skirt from the one and only Lilly Pulitzer last summer -- it had me at scalloped edges -- and scored it at Rue La La's last LP sale. And in case you haven't noticed, I tend to mix that pattern with a stripe. For me, the best way to tie these two together is with a great jacket, like this Aeropostale bomber jacket. Perfect colors, shape and sporty vibe to an otherwise girly look. (Plus it's on sale).

{Aeropostale jacket c/o (on sale!); JCrew top (old, love this one); Lilly Pulitzer skirt (last season via Rue La La, check eBay, or similar shape); Madewell flats (similar, similar in a different color) ; Coach 'Willis' bag; Catbird bracelet; Urban Outfitters sunnies (old, but similar)}

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easy classic

For me, finding great basics feels like hitting the jackpot. Those wardrobe staples that I reach for season after season with my newest additions. No matter what the hottest trends are of the moment, I always seem to throw on a blazer with something striped, and something red. Especially for those nothing-to-wear days. Easy, classic, no-brainer.

{Zara blazer; H&M top (similar); Madewell jeans; Sam Eldman shoes (similar $, similar $$); Coach Legacy duffle; Karen Walker sunnies; JCrew necklace; JCrew + Kate Spade bracelets; YSL lipstain #9}

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those busy days

This week has been quite crazy and quite exciting, and as a result quite hectic. I turned 24 this Monday (eek!) and started a new job on the same day. It's been a week I've been striving for this past year, so seeing my hard work finally pay off is such a great feeling. Definitely a week I'll always remember, and a time where easy yet frilly dresses are a must.

{Club Monaco jacket (similar, similar on sale); Forever 21 dress; Zara flats (old); Coach bag; Target earrings (old); bracelets -- Kate Spade, Catbird}

::pictures by Laura::

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LBD

A casual day in great basics and seriously comfortable espadrilles. These pineapple earrings were a great find from H&M ($12) and I've been living in them -- definitely great conversation starters especially when paired with a simple LBD.

{Jacket from TJ Maxx; Loft dress (on sale! love this color); Espadrilles from TJ Maxx (great match + on sale!, love these); Coach 'Willis' bag; Karen Walker sunnies; H&M pineapple earrings (recent); bracelets -- JCrew, Kate Spade, Catbird; Maybelline Vivid lipstick in 'Hot Plum' *really great bright pink that lasts all day for under $6!} 

::photos by Laura::

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double take: aztec printed

Meet my newest partner in crime, and blog bestie Laura. We both have a penchant for all things girly, and (cough) expensive, and simultaneously fell for this aztec printed skirt. Although we gravitate towards very similar pieces, the way we put them together always comes out differently. I love her classic yet casual spin on such a bold pattern -- totally opposite from my pattern on print look.

Check out Laura's full look on her blog Lo So Fancy!

{Kate Spade coat (on super sale at the outlet); Loft top; JCrew factory skirt; Madewell shoes (similar + on sale!); Coach 'Willis' bag; Jeweliq necklace (old, but similar); bracelets -- JCrew, Catbird} 

::photos by Laura::

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weekend with jsgd // in sapphire + turquoise

The world of horoscopes and zodiac signs have always been something I've admired from afar, sneaking quick glimpses of what my month will be like here and there, and marveling at how enchanting their history is. 
In honor of my birthday month (I'm a Taurus) I've partnered up with JSGD's Etsy shop for a month of my favorite zodiac inspired pieces (sneak peek on Pinterest). 
JSGD sells the cutest zodiac prints and iPhone cases, all meticulously curated with the perfect words for each symbol in colors that sound as enchanting as the signs itself -- from turquoise and sapphire to citrine and amethyst. 
And as a bonus, JSGD is offering a pretty sweet promotion for all DUA readers:  20% off JSGD merch with the code: DRESSALLIGATORS
1: Equipment // 2: J. Crew // 3: Madewell // 4: Marc by Marc Jacobs // 5: Swedish Dream // 6: J. Crew // 7: JSGD Gemini iPhone Case // 8: Twist Band // 9: Anthropologie // 10: JSGD Sagittarius Zodiac Print // 11: Ray-Ban // 12: Essie // 13: Loren Hope // 14: Keds for Kate Spade // 15: Tabletop Made // 16: Missoni // 17: Miguel Ases

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