the third piece | two ways

"Never leave home without three pieces."
Great shoes? Check. Great bag? Check. Great scarf?
Totally check.
A few weeks back, I had the pleasure of meeting the founders of the coolest knit company in Boston: The Third Piece. These gals know their stuff - they make their own wool in beautiful earth tones, hand-knit all of their products with the help of a small team of knitting experts, and have caught the eye of some big name people (like Bergdorf Goodman), all while staying true to their longtime friendship.
I was excited to have the opportunity to style one of their beautiful handmade pieces - starting with the 'Beacon Scarf' (more styles to come..!). I love the versatility of this piece, and I'd be lying if I didn't love how warm it is. I've already worn this scarf both ways, a million times, and don't see a chance of stopping.
1: JCREW top (old) | MARSHALLS skirt | THE THIRD PIECE 'Beacon' scarf | MADEWELL boots (sale!) | BAGGU tote 2: CLUB MONACO dress | THE THIRD PIECE 'Beacon' scarf | MADEWELL boots (sale!) | HUE tights

reflect

Whenever I'm in a rush, I reach for basics, and let my accessories make a statement. Especially during the colder months when I tend to wear a lottt more neutrals and dark colors. They're just easier to layer, and ultimately keep me looking chic - that's all we want in life, right? Easy dressing and impossibly chic results.
 That's why a great pair of sunglasses are a must to include in my basic arsenal (sooo many great choices here). Although these Ray Bans are far from plain, they easily punch up an otherwise bland look (without trying too hard). 
TARGET top | MADEWELL jeans + boots | RAY BAN aviators c/o SMARTBUY GLASSES | BAGGU tote | JCREW coat (similar)

monogrammed converse

It's no secret that Etsy has some of the cutest jewelry, accessories, art, home goodies (you name it!) on the web. I love finding hidden gems on there that no one else likely has, and in turn support local, independent designers. 
Which is why I was so excited when I was recently introduced to 9th and Elm - a flash sale site that cherry-picks the best  fashionable, handmade designs, allll in one place. 
I had so much fun discovering new designers and shopping through their goodies, that I almost fainted when I found these monogrammed chucks. They became my very first pair of converse, and a brand new shoe OBSESSION that's all my own.
H&M sweater | FOREVER 21 dress (old) | BAGGU tote | ROBYN BOBBIN monogrammed converse c/o 9TH & ELM

the perfect transition bootie

Good-bye sandals, hello booties! 
For me, finding the perfect transition bootie is like finding the perfect LBD. I want something that isn't fussy, but simple and classic, with a walkable heel. But most of all, I don't want it to feel like a heavy cold-weather boot...at least not just yet. 
These are from Skechers (shop them here!), and check all of the boxes off of my wish-list. They're classic and comfy. Plus they feel like I'm throwing on a pair of flats instead of boots. I'm secretly not ready to give up wearing my sandals on those warmer fall days.
CLUB MONACO jacket | MADEWELL top (similar) | JCREW skirt (sale) | BAGGU tote | c/o SKECHERS booties

summer mix + a guest post

I'm so excited to be guest blogging today for my gal pal Khatu while she is traveling the world. (Uhm, talk about traveler's envy!).
Head over to her blog, I Am Khatu, to check out my favorite tip for packing stylishly and smart.
JCREW denim jacket | GAP top | JCREW shorts | LOEFFLER RANDALL shoes (similar) | REBECCA MINKOFF bag

leopard flounce

Since buying this dress, I have worn it so many different ways: with pops of red, dressed down with gladiator sandals, layered up with a preppy blazer or a more laid back denim jacket. Is there anything better than versatility (and Fridays)?
Have a great one, TGIF!
ZARA dress | TJMAXX shoes (recent) | MICHAEL KORS bag | KAREN WALKER sunglasses

a striped summer dress

Cage sandals + white is officialy my summer 2014 uniform. Fresh, yet edgy. Done. 
Now that summer is winding down, I've been hitting up the end of season sales like crazy -- both this Zara dress and these Loeffler Randall shoes were a major online shopping score! Shop similar looks to what I'm wearing below.
Hope everyone had a great weekend, Happy Monday!
ZARA dress (see below for similar looks) | LOEFFLER RANDALL sandals | ANGELA & ROI bag

cage sandals

Just a warning: you might see this dress quite a lot. I wear it IRL a lot.
Originally I spotted this on a random (but very stylish) Boston gal while walking shopping around the city -- immediately thought it was DVF and swooned from afar. So I was surprised to find it hiding in the Zara sales rack last month. 
Did I really need another reason to love Zara?
These pictures taken after a very exciting shoot with Marie Claire (pinch. me.) this past weekend with some of my fellow blogging ladies (catch a sneak peek here and here!). I wanted to wear something I felt totally comfortable and confident it, and this was it. 
Paired it with a fierce pair of cage sandals (obsessed), and a bright white Angela & Roi bag. 
Fingers crossed I'll have magazine(s) to send to my Babcia this October. Regardless of what happens the experience was once in a lifetime that I'll always remember and cherish.
Photos by Kayte
ZARA dress | ZARA sandals | ANGELA & ROI bag c/o | CATBIRD bracelets
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hello, goodbye

Right now, I'm kind of loving life across the pond. But I'm also kind of missing you guys and my friends and family back home, this little lady included. 
A quick hello! And a quick goodbye. See you with a million and one pictures next week!
But for now, follow my travels on instagram -- there are some good things happening on there...I pinky promise. KATE SPADE coat | DVF dress | KATE SPADE shoes PINTEREST | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM