sporty spice

As my personal style evolves, I find that the way I shop changes. Obvious statement but listen: before I would find myself impulse shopping the second I saw a pretty print -- leaving me with a closet full of statement pieces and a tiny wedge of basics. Obviously setting myself up for I-have-nothing-to-wear syndrome. Not cool.

N0w-a-days I LIVE for the basics, and details are my new best friends. It's crazy, but I find myself wearing the same few pieces more and more. As a result, getting dressed in the morning is much more pleasant (and less messy -- aka less clothes thrown on my bed/sofa etc).

I think I've worn this top, jean, shoe combo a few times on my blog, and a million more IRL. Throwing on an investment piece like this sporty, but still girly cashmere jacket makes my new approach worth it. It's not only the softest thing ever with gorgeous notch and zipper detailing (um, Scottish yarn-makers realllly know what they're doing), but another basic I know I can mix and match to my heart's desire. 

TODD & DUNCAN sweater | ANN TAYLOR top | MADEWELL jeans | KATE SPADE bag | MICHAEL KORS shoes

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summer's sunsets

The end of summer is one of my favorite and least favorite times of years -- the quick crispness in the air, promise of new and exciting fall fashions, that heavy feeling of change. 

But mostly I love those bright pink sunsets that fall over Boston's skyline, turning the entire city crazy beautiful colors for a minute. I think that is what attracted me so much to this dress. A color pallet so summery yet bittersweet, I had to make a second look from it.

1 {Kate Spade dress; Swedish Hasbeens for H&M (old but love these); Michael Kors bag; Juicy Couture watch}

2 {Ann Taylor cardigan (old); Anthropologie top (old); JCrew shorts; Gap sandals (on sale!); Kate Spade bag; Juicy Couture watch}

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bad hair day fix: the braided bun

Buns are hands down my go-to for bad hair days. Here is a twist on this classic style that literally took me five minutes and saved me from a day of hating my hair:

1. Gently brush hair out -- best when it is a day old/looks like a hot mess -- I used a wide tooth comb to avoid brushing out too much of the texture, just the snarls. Then divide hair half up half down, reserving more for the top than the bottom using a dividing tool.

2. Twist the top section into a bun and secure with a clear elastic.

3. Take the bottom section of your hair and begin a loose upside down braid. This will ensure that the braid will sit easily on your head when you twist it around your bun. Secure with a clear elastic.

4. Loosen the braid -- don't be afraid to make it look messy. 

5. Twist the braid around your bun and secure with bobby pins on all sides. 

6. Pull pieces out to frame your face.

7. Add a pair of oversized earrings to further frame your face -- mine are from Kate Spade.

Done! Let me know if you guys try this out//if you like these posts! 

Happy bad hair day!

{Ann Taylor sweater; Kate Spade earrings; Catbird ring}

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