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)

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

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//PINTEREST

TEENVOGUE//LUCKYMAG

layers in lace

A basic chambray dress is such a wardrobe staple for me -- I consider it just as essential as the LBD. It's an instant outfit no-brainer that can be layered with different patterns and textures, or worn alone just as easily. But chambray in neon pink is even more fun, especially when paired with my favorite, no-fuss (lace) LBD.

{ASOS leather jacket (old, love this one); Juicy Couture lace LBD (old but similar); JCrew dress (old, but in denim, similar for a great price); Plenty by Tracy Reese pumps; vintage Coach Willis bag; Ray Bans; Jeweliq necklace (similar); bracelets -- JCrew, Catbird}

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//PINTEREST

TEENVOGUE//LUCKYMAG

the holiday gift guide: gifts for guys

Gifting for guys can sometimes be tricky, but I've gathered a list of thoughtful and manly options all comfortably priced under $150 that goes a little beyond giving a case of beer (although that would go great with any of these gifts, and probably much appreciated too).
1. Camera Lens Mug $28 2. JCrew Factory Sherpa-Lined Flannel Jacket (sold out online, but check your stores) $45 (on sale + 40% off)  3. Around the World Leather Watch $34 4. Old Navy Men's Boxers $8.50 5. Ted Baker London 'Para' Cuff Links $90 6. Phoebe Richardson Skeleton Espresso Cup Stack $85 7. Recover Wood iPhone 4/4S Case $38 8. WTF Stamp $9 9. Moose Head Wall Hanging $105 10. Leatherman Mut $149 11. Original Blend Gift Subscription (delivered monthly for 2, 3, 6, or 12 months) starting at $38 12. Polo Ralph Lauren Tartan Reversible Scarf $40.60 13. Camelbak H.A.W.G. Hydration Pack $120 (on sale) 14. Coach Deerskin Glove $148 15. The Art of Shaving: The 4 Elements Kit $25 16. Beer Tasting Tool Kit $24.95 17. Eastland High Fidelity Boot $110 18. Rugby Silk & Leather Skull Wallet $45.50 19. Anonymous Ism Deer Socks $28 20. Cashmere Hat $68 21. Old Navy Patterned Crew Sweater $32.50 22. Men's Backup Battery for iPhone $39.50 23. Ray Ban Classic Wayfarer $150
BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//PINTEREST TEENVOGUE//LUCKYMAG

3 easy halloween costumes you already have in your closet

When it comes to Halloween, I procrastinate till the very last minute. Every. Single. Year. I'm that girl who runs out to the store (after everything has been picked through) an hour before a party, frantically searching for something (anything) to throw together. This year I was excited to find that putting together three different costumes with clothes I already owned was a cinch. Here's how I did it:

1.

What you have: 

Anything polka dot -- dress/skirt/even pants (tip: layer different sizes to achieve a cartoony look)

+ a collared shirt 

+ shiny shoes/polka dot shoes/red shoes/gold shoes

What you need:

Mouse ears (mine are from the Disney store)

Cartoon eyelashes (F21 has a set of 3 for $4.80)

= Minnie Mouse

2.

What you have:

White button down

+ white pants

+ black boots

What you need:

A black hat (unless you already own one)

+ eyelashes (put one set over one eye -- top and bottom lash)

= A Clockwork Orange

3.

What you have:

Motorcycle jacket

+ any tee with skulls/american flags/eagles

+ leather pants

+ aviators

What you need:

A helmet (optional, not pictured)

+ temporary tattoos (or real -- optional, not pictured)

= Biker Chick (think Sons of Anarchy, but more girly)

::Click here and here for more costume ideas from past years::

1 {F21 blouse, dress + eyelashes; Marc by Marc Jacobs shoes (old); Minnie ears via the Disney store}

2 {Calvin Klein top via Marshalls; Gap pants; Coach boots (old); random hat; F21 eyelashes}

3 {Asos jacket (seen here + here); H&M top (old); Member's Only leggings (old); Coach boots (old); Ray Bans}

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//PINTEREST

TEENVOGUE//LUCKYMAG

shiver

New favorite skirt (totally picking up the other two colors) along with a new Longchamp to add to the collection -- while the world is preoccupied with oxblood, I am gushing over hunter green right now. Sad to see the days in New England have been getting colder. I'm terrified of the day I am forced to wear tights. I think I'd rather shiver for now.

{Madewell top (similar) + shoes (old but similar); Gap skirt (25% off!); Longchamp tote; F21 pearls; Ray Ban aviators}

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//PINTEREST

TEENVOGUE//LUCKYMAG

ride on

Say hello to my new ride. We're in love, love, lovvve.

{Asos jacket (old but similar); Gap top; JCrew skirt (0n sale!); Madewell flats; Ray Ban aviators, bracelets -- JCrew, Jeweliq}

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//PINTEREST

TEENVOGUE//LUCKYMAG

**Check out my interview at CocoKouture Magazine!**

purple heat

Staying cool in shades of purple, and an oversized blouse. 

Happy second day of summer!

{Urban Outfitters top; Victoria's Secret shorts; Zara sandals; Target belt; Ray Bans}

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//TEENVOGUE

day to night: beach essentials

With Memorial Day fast approaching, promises of tropical vacations or all day beach trips are on the brain. Here are a few of my essentials for going from day to night while hanging out on the seashore -- all conveniently found at Amazon.com. 

For DAY, I like bringing an oversized beach bag, easy shoes, classic sunnies and a bottle of Maui Babe (this stuff is amazing -- seriously. go.buy.it.now.). 

For NIGHT, it's an easy change to bright heels, a mini straw clutch, bold earrings, tinted lip balm and of course a fun iPhone case.

DAY

1. Ray Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses $145

2. Maui Babe Browning Lotion $19

3.MIA Striped Espadrille $29
4.Magid Corn Straw Tote $40

NIGHT

5. Burt's Bees Pomegranate Lip Balm $10

6. Kendra Scott Candy Jewel Earrings $60

7. Sam Edelman Ankle-Strap Sandal $135

8. Juicy Couture Palm Tree iPhone Case $28

9. Juicy Couture Palm Springs Straw Clutch $88

BLOGLOVIN//TWITTER//TEENVOGUE