4.26.2013

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!

4.24.2013

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} 


4.20.2013

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

4.17.2013

fluoro // fluoro






Love it or hate it, this fluoro yellow-green is one of my favorites. It adds a playful edge to more subdue colors (love it with the camo), and would look perfect with summer whites. 

I always look forward to taking this bag out when the weather starts warming up -- its just such a great statement piece especially when paired with matching neon cap toes -- something about it just confirms that winter is gone, gone gone. And I'm so excited that the Cambridge Satchel Company has introduced this color to their classic music bag shape -- perfect as an oversized clutch or a fun bag for work.


{Club Monaco jacket; Loft blouse; JCrew factory skirt; Cambridge Satchel Company bag (now with $25 off! enter SPRINGFLO at checkout); JCrew shoes (now 30% off!)}

4.15.2013

spring satchel







One of the coolest parts about blogging has been the opportunity to collaborate with brands I absolutely adore. But what's even cooler is meeting the designer behind the brand. 

Or in this case the bag. 

Last NYFW I was lucky enough to meet Julie, the lady behind Cambridge Satchel Company. I remember already being a huge fan of her designs, and of her rise to satchel fame -- smartly introducing her Fluro show-stoppers to fashion bloggers making this bag a must-have instantly (watch her story here, seriously it's adorable) -- but her sweetness, humbleness, and love for her designs made me love the brand even more.

I never imagined being one of those bloggers who would be picked to style one of these satchels (previously seen here and here) so of course I jumped at the chance to style their newest Chelsea Collection. Dipped in the prettiest shades of pastels, this is the perfect bag to welcome spring.

{Forever 21 jacket (similar but check your local store); Kate Spade dress + heels (similar); Cambridge Satchel Company bag c/o; JCrew bangle; Maybelline Vivids in Fuchsia Flash

4.12.2013

weekend in black white pink

blackwhitepink.jpg
This weekend, I'm feeling brights -- especially bright fuchsia. I found these pink beauties on the Anthro sale rack (still considering whether or not to pull the trigger), and love the idea of staying simple: pops of color and white, with boyfriend jeans and a quirky hat to keep it weekend ready. 

{Raoul peplum top; Rag & Bone boyfriend jeans; Loren Hope earrings; Anthropologie heels; Urban Outfitters cap}

4.10.2013

3 pieces // 3 looks








I've teamed up with Lulu's to show how 3 pieces -- a leopard blazer, an emerald skirt, and a printed muscle tee -- can create 3 totally different looks for 3 totally different occasions. Think the perfect work look, a causal weekend out, and date night. I love the challenge of reinventing pieces for the week, and actually reusing old favorites rather than constantly buying/wearing new ones. Which look is your favorite?

1 {Lulu's leopard blazer; Loft blouse; Lulu's skirt (similar); Michael Kors bag; Zara heels (old); Anthropologie necklace; JCrew bracelet}
2 {Lulu's leopard blazer; Lulu's tank; H&M jeans; BCBG shoes; Coach 'Willis' bag; JCrew bracelets}
3 {Lulu's tank; Lulu's skirt (similar); Michael Kors bag; TJ Maxx espadrilles; Anthropologie necklace; JCrew bracelets}

>>all lulu's items are c/o, but opinions + styling are my own<<


4.09.2013

orange crush: two ways










A bright orange jacket can seem intimidating -- something that most would pair with similar browns or creams, (myself included). This time though, I wanted to show how versatile this color can be with some color and pattern. I love how the intensity of the orange chills out with touches of lavender, corals and blues, making it a new staple for spring. Plus it's sweatshirt comfy.

Today is the last day to vote for me in the Wallis Contest (I talked about here), and it has definitely been a fun ride. Not only have I stepped beyond my comfort zone, but I've fallen in love with a new brand -- their mission, affordable price range and of course their beautiful pieces, are just so me. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported me, and thank you to Wallis for this crazy opportunity! The chance to represent such a great brand has been a dream come true.

>>But be sure to send one more vote my way! Contest ends tonight at 12PM<<

1: {Wallis blazer c/o; Zara tee; JCrew skirt; Plenty by Tracy Reese heels; Coach 'Willis' bag}
2: {Wallis blazer c/o; Madewell chambray (similar); Citizens of Humanity jeans (old); TJ Maxx espadrilles; Coach 'Willis bag}

4.06.2013

weekend in sand tropez

After the longest week of my life, a weekend in muted camels, creams and silver sounds pretty close to perfect. Inspired by this shade of nail polish I picked up earlier this week (and new favorite), this look is both easy and so refreshing, and can transition from day to night with the right kind of sandals.

{Steven Alan dress; Steel Canvas Basket Co. bag; Dara Ettinger studs; Marais USA sandal (day) American Apparel sandal (night); Essie nailpolish in Sand Tropez}


4.02.2013

spring find






Two beautiful weekends in a row meant a lot of time outside biking and hiking. And no I didn't wear this outfit for either activity, but I have been wearing it for everything in between. I scored the ultimate designer find at TJ's a few weeks back when I found this Equipment top hanging in clearance for $39. THIRTY NINE. 

You can only imagine how quick this purchase was.

{Forever 21 blazer (old); Equipment top (an awesome TJ Maxx find); JCrew pants; Coach Willis bag; Plenty by Tracy Reese heels; JCrew necklace (old); Catbird + JCrew bracelets; Karen Walker sunnies}