Tuesday's Ten: Totally Totes

Aloha! Ciao! Bonjour! 

I know, I know...it's been awhile, but I was commuting with the masses to work in NYC so it was really difficult finding good blogging time. My internship is over now and school is fast approaching so I am hoping I'll have some more free time. That being said, WHERE has the summer gone? Seriously, I feel like it was just yesterday I was packing up my Miami apartment and flying home to New York for the summer.

Well, given that it's almost time to start school again, what better topic to blog about than school essentials? Ahhh tote bags. Gotta love them. I retired the backpack to rock the tote in about 8th grade. Surely, it's taken many forms-- from the Ed Hardy phase tote to the Betsey Johnson crazy graphic tote to my more recent and more classic Louis Vuitton tote, I can definitely say that tote bags are an absolute necessity for the school year.

Below are some great tote bags that would make any outfit!

Loeffler Randall - $695

For the Northeast/seasonal college-goer, this is such a great tote! It's different, sophisticated, but fun!

Pour La Victoire - $345

This tote would definitely brighten up anyones day before taking a test.

IIIBeCa by Joy Gryson Tote - $178

I love the shape and detailing of this tote. The neon yellow stitching makes it that much cuter.

Louis Vuitton - $940

I purchased this tote before I entered my sophomore year of college and I can certainly say it was one of the best purchases I have made. I use this tote every single day to carry books but I also used it all summer to carry my belongings to work every day! I've used this tote on overnights and even just to run errands. I have the largest size of the three different sizes and think it is just perfect for daily use.

Kooba - $398

This beachy tote is adorable for books!

Foley & Corinna - $395

I would most definitely wear this tote. I think it is absolutely perfect for books but equally as great for running around! Most of all...this edgy bag can be worn in about 5 different ways, making it so versatile and worth every penny!

Rebecca Minkoff - $295

This bag is so timeless and attractive. I love the shape and the quality. It also comes in a ton of colors!

Diane von Furstenberg - $525

For a more purse-like tote, this is great!

Marc by Marc Jacobs - $198

I have this tote in black and have to say that it's not only adorable, but also so light and easy to carry around! It is a perfect size and shape.

Alexander Wang - $975

I've had my eye on this bag for a long time. I think the shape is absolutely gorgeous and the little touch of metal on the bottom makes it so timeless and unique- it comes with gold, silver, AND rose gold hardware.

What do YOU think? What tote would YOU use?

Tuesday's Ten: Simple Work Staples

It is certainly a challenge waking up every morning at the crack of dawn and knowing that you have to put together a fun yet different outfit for work in order to feel confident all day. When you have some unique statement pieces, it makes it a lot easier!

Below are some of the neutral statement pieces I own that I am always drawn to in the morning. Simple and classic pieces like these make it easy to mix, match, and create endless outfits.

Aqua - $98

I love this dress because the silhouette is so flattering, the color is so summery and vibrant, and it's easy to dress up or down. I wore this dress casually with simple black sandals and a ton of jewelry, but it would look equally as gorgeous under a neutral blazer.

House of Harlow - $100

The length of this necklace is great and it looks perfect with just about anything. I have it in silver and I wear it all the time!

Helmut Lang - $620

This blazer is absolutely stunning. The sleeves are such a unique silk pattern which appears again on the back. All you need is a pair of pants and a simple tee and you're set, looking insanely put together.

Vince -  $192

These pants are so awesome. How often do you find a pair of work appropriate pants that are not only flattering and unique, but also comfortable?! I absolutely love these pants. I wear a simple tee tucked into them with a long necklace.

Topshop - $30

This is a total statement necklace. Given that it has both silver and gold, it matches everything and looks so edgy and chic.

Splendid - $88

This skirt is such a must have. I wear it on days where I want to feel comfortable yet look polished and fashionable. I tuck in a white tee and layer on the jewelry and my outfit is complete.

Sam Edelman - $80

These simple sandals are great for every day because they're comfortable, easy to just throw on, and match everything!

True Religion - $167

I absolutely love these plain black jeggings. I wear them with everything because they're so simple and SO comfortable!

Helmut Lang - $95

These asymmetrical Helmut Lang shirts are great because they give the average tee shirt a little fun.

DV Dolce Vita - $89

These are the most comfortable wedges I have ever put on. I am most definitely the worst heel-walker of all time...so if I say these wedges are insanely comfortable, TRUST ME. They're a must have!

Tuesday's Ten: Holy Grail Makeup Products

Happy Tuesday! I decided to switch it up a bit for today's Tuesday's Ten.

We all have THOSE special products we just can't live without. Being makeup obsessed myself, I often find myself fixated on new makeup products and trends. But those that stand the test of time are the real winners, and therefore maintain their position in my makeup collection. These holy grail products are truly incredible, so I decided it was about time to share them with all of you!

1. MAC Pro Longwear Concealer 

MAC - $18

This product is by far my most incredible makeup find...probably of all time. Just one dab of this concealer covers all blemishes, dark spots, and under eye circles. I apply this concealer with a small concealer brush and it not only makes my complexion look perfectly even, but it lasts all day! It comes in almost every shade and I STRONGLY recommend trying it out.

2. Urban Decay Setting Spray

Urban Decay - $29

This is a miracle product. I use it every single day to set my makeup. After all of your face makeup is applied, just spray this gentle mist on your face (it feels like water spray and dries within seconds), and your makeup will last HOURS longer. This product actually does what it says it does, and it has transformed my makeup regimen. 

3. The Rocket Mascara

 Maybelline - $5.99

I'm a big fan of Maybelline mascaras because they're not only great, but they're also inexpensive. This mascara received a lot of hype when it came out earlier this year, but I can certainly say it was all for good reason. This mascara defines the lashes (without creating any clumps) while giving them volume and making them look incredibly long. I use the regular version, but it comes in waterproof as well! 

4. Chanel Stylo Yeux Eyeliner

Chanel - $30

As you could probably tell, I'm obsessed with eyeliner. I have tried a TON of brands (Lancome, MAC, Nars, etc.) but Chanel beats them all BY FAR. I wear Noir Intense, which is the blackest black, and it goes on so insanely smoothly while lasting all day long. This eyeliner makes it too easy. I am crazy obsessed.

5. Nars Laguna Bronzer

NARS - $36

While I have veered slightly away from bronzer and started to wear a soft pink blush instead (Warm Soul by MAC--another must have), this bronzer is definitely the way to go for a natural, subtle, tanned look.

 6. Lorac Pro Eyeshadow Palette 

Lorac - $42

This is my go-to palette. The top row consists of eight matte shades while the bottom row is all shimmery. You can do a complete eye look with just this one palette. I use the color "espresso" for my eyebrows, "white" for my inner corners to give a bright and awake look, and "nude" for an everyday effortless glow. When I go on vacation, this palette is all I need to bring. Lorac products in general are gorgeous and of amazing quality, and this palette is a necessity.

7. Revlon Lip Butter

Revlon - $6.99

I am obsessed with this line of lip products (available at the drugstore!). They're perfect for daily use because there is a large assortment of gorgeous colors that aren't too crazy and saturated and they are super moisturizing. It's like a chapstick-lipstick 2-in-1 and it's all you need to carry in your purse. I have a bunch of colors and they are definitely the lip product I gravitate toward most.

8. Mac Studio Fix Foundation

MAC - $27

When I got my makeup done at the MAC counter for my first time, I became instantly hooked on this foundation. This is one of my newest holy grail products. All you need is the tiniest amount of this foundation and your skin will literally look flawless for the entire day. It's light while offering great coverage and it even has SPF!

9. Eyebrow Lipocils Gel

Eyebrow Lipocils - $42

This brow gel is awesome because it truly makes your brows stay in place all day. Whether you fill them in or not, this gel is all you need to finish your flawless face look.

 10. Smashbox Primer

Smashbox - $36

I don't wear this primer everyday because I instead set my makeup with Urban Decay all nighter (#2 holy grail product), but on nights where I want to be absolutely certain that my makeup will not budge, this light primer does the trick. Smashbox has a ton of noteworthy primers, but this one is oil-free and doesn't clog your pores. It does the trick while remaining light on your face.

What are YOUR holy grail products? Do YOU use any of these products?

Vest Craze

I have always been a huge fan of vests. They make any outfit look put together, and they make a great statement! Whether I'm walking to work in NYC or shopping around the mall, I see vests absolutely everywhere...and I love them.

Check out some of my favorite vests of the moment:

Cut25 by Yigal Azrouel - $495

Zara - $90

the man repeller x PJK - $298

Rebecca Minkoff - $298

Vince - $625 (On sale at Bloomingdales for $500!)

BCBGMAXAZRIA - $228

Elizabeth and James - $445

Are you loving any vests this summer?

Tuesday's Ten: Short Shorts!

It's finally getting warm out and I could not be any more excited to throw on some cute shorts and enjoy the sun! For me, it has always been extremely difficult to find flattering shorts. Let's be honest...they're either too short, too uncomfortable, or they are just so unflattering that they create sausage legs. Yes, I said it: sausage legs. Given that just about every store is stocked with summer shorts, it's a perfect time for this post!
Below are ten really cute shorts that are super flattering and absolutely perfect for the summer!

1. Silk Shorts

Joe Fresh - $39

I recently stumbled across this pair as well as a navy and yellow pair of silk shorts at my local Joe Fresh store. I am obsessed with these shorts. They not only look incredible on, but they're also soft, good quality, and inexpensive! These shorts are perfect for summer and I can't wait to wear them with a tucked in white tank, gold sandals, and tons of gold jewelry (though I'm convinced they will look good with just about anything). 

2. Linen Shorts 

Joie - $138

Linen shorts are so fresh, clean, and summery. This Joie pair is lightweight and flattering-- absolutely perfect for summer.

3. Tribal Shorts

Maison Scotch - $85

Tribal print is appearing everywhere this summer, so why not try it out and wear these fun tribal print shorts? They're exciting and fresh yet simple and classic; you just can't go wrong.

4. Scalloped Shorts

BB Dakota - $62

Scalloped shorts are so in right now. This pair is not only scalloped but also lace: a great summer statement. 

 5. High Waisted Shorts

Free People - $68

I find high waisted shorts to be iffy. Sometimes they just do not do the body justice! However, I do like this Free People pair. I think that they're a good choice because they're not too tight, they aren't too busy, and the dark wash makes them more flattering.

6. Neon Shorts

GAP - $40

You can find neon shorts in just about any store you walk into, and this GAP pair is really cute! I love the color and the simplicity of these.

7. Patterned Shorts 

Rebecca Minkoff - $398

If you know me or read my blog, you should know that I'm obsessed with Rebecca Minkoff. I LOVE these shorts. They are so unique, complimentary, and special. They could be worn both during the day and at night and look equally gorgeous.

8. Trendy Shorts

Equipment - $178

 Camo is one of the biggest trends right now, and I seriously love it. It's so edgy and different. These shorts are flattering and so fashion-forward. These busy shorts are great because you can throw on a black or white tank and go about your day without much effort while looking put together.

9. Black Leather Shorts

7 For All Mankind - $178

There is nothing worse than going out on a hot summer night wearing tight skinny jeans or a dress that sticks to your body. These leather shorts are the perfect substitute, and are extremely stylish. Dress them up with tons of jewelry, or just wear a plain tank. Either way, these leather shorts are stunning.

10. Swingy Shorts

Helmut Lang - $348

 Don't like to wear tight shorts? Want to switch it up and wear something more unique and flowing? These bright shorts are great for summer because they allow you to breathe while also remaining fun and stylish.

Something Special for the Mama

Are you the kind of person who waits until the last possible moment to get things done? If so, I'm guessing Mother's Day is no different. So...given that Mother's Day is this Sunday, May 12, it's time to get shopping!

Below are some quick and easy yet perfect last minute Mother's Day gifts!

1. A Classic Jacket

Burberry - $495

 2. A Bright Pair of Sandals

Tory Burch - $195

3. An Oversized Tote

Rebecca Minkoff - $295

 4. A Fun Makeup Bag

Kate Spade - $70

5. A Silk Shirt

Equipment - $258

6. A Perfume Set

Prada - $114

 7. An Exciting Candle

Jonathan Adler - $38

8. A Unique Piece of Jewelry

Gurhan - $525

What are YOU getting your mama?