weddings in the windy city!

Little compares to a city wedding. They're glamorous, unpredictable, and, let's be completely honest here, a literal stone's throw from all semblance of fabulousness. One of my personal favorite cities is...Chicago; thus, I am loving the Dresswe cheap special occasion dresses hot sales, which have put together a list of the most popular wedding dresses for windy city I do's {Dresswe 2014 cheap wedding dresses Chicago online promotion}. Here are 5 of my favorites!

Sumptuous Trumpet/Mermaid Sweetheart Chapel Dasha's Wedding Dress with Beadings
{It has such a couture flair!}

Gorgeous Capped Mermaid Empire Beads Court Train Lace Wedding Dress
{Truly a gown fit for a royal, amiright?}

Fancy Trumpet/Mermaid Sleeveless Matte Ruched Sweetheart Court Train Wedding Dress
{The Old Hollywood Glamour is impossible to resist and Princess is just brilliant!}

Glamorous Empire Sweetheart Floor-Length Watteau Train Tulle Aleksander's Wedding Dress
{The juxtaposition between Greek Goddess and regal Princess is exquisite}

Brilliant Trumpet/Mermaid Strapless Chapel Train Flowers Angerika's Color Wedding Dress
{My favorite of the lot - there's something quite captivating about a colored gown, don't you think?}
Do you have a favorite?

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with DressWe.com. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

all fringe everything

Update your wardrobe with a 70s throwback swish a la hippie-esque fringe. It's the perfect embellishment for summer through fall; adding just the right amount of flirt to everything from handbags to booties. {Clockwise from Top Right}.
TOPSHOP **Fringed Leather Jacket by Kate Moss for Topshop in Navy Blue {$370.00}

Forever 21 Down To Earth Fringe Necklace in Coral / Ivory {$8.80}

Aquazzura Sasha Fringed Suede Ankle Boots {$995.00}

Oscar de la Renta Ombre Tassel Clip On Earrings in Violet {$395.00}

Dolce Vita Noralee Fringe Booties in Taupe {$188.95}

Antik Batik Bertil Fringed Suede Drawstring Bag in Chocolate Suede {$360.00}


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xx

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Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set Review {Part 3}

It has been a long time coming; but today I am finally bringing you Part 3 {the conclusion} of the Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set {see Part 1 here and Part 2 here}. Part 3 is all about the cremes; so whether you're seeking a holiday-specific shade or looking for a new everyday favorite, I'm positive you'll fall in love with one {or all} of these 7 colors. Swatch time!

Ivory Queen {Day 14}

Ivory Queen is a Nude / Peach Creme with Subtle Gold Shimmer. This is similar to Ciaté Members Only. The shimmer is less discernible here, however, and the color itself is slightly darker {more peachy pink}. Ivory Queen is a great neutral shade for all skintones. The café au lait vibe of the color makes it extremely wearable; while the nearly invisible shimmer adds that extra something something that makes it a must if you love the nearly naked nail look. Formula here is perfect - creamy, non-streaky, and smooth. This is 3 coats.

Chinchilla {Day 16}

Chinchilla is a Pale Gray with Baby Blue Undertones. Chinchilla is, technically, gray like Ciaté Pillow Fight; but the two shades are very different. Chinchilla is paler in overall hue, and could easily be mistaken for a baby blue shade in certain lights; whereas Pillow Fight is darker and, at times, comes off as lilac. Both gorgeous shades in their own right; but not dupes. The formula on this...heaven. Totally no muss, no fuss. It had the same type of no fail vibe that is usually exclusive to textured polishes, in that it was ultra-cooperative and super simple to work with. Love this beauty! This is 2 coats.

Tweed and Tails {Day 18}

Tweed and Tails is a Moss Green Creme. This one is perfect for fall - it's very chic in an urban jungle way. Formula-wise, Tweed and Tails is a gem. It reaches almost complete opacity in just one coat {I did use 2 coats here to keep things even}; and is very user-friendly. If you're a fan of muted, borderline masculine nail shades you'd enjoy this. This is 2 coats.

Starlet {Day 20}

Starlet is a Purple / Green Duochrome. This pretty reminds me exactly of the peacock eyes Pat McGrath created for the Roberto Cavalli Fall / Winter 2012 runway. Thus, even though shimmers aren't usually my thing, I'm seriously digging this duochrome. The color shift from purple to green is subtle yet so striking - definitely intense in an understated way. The formula was fantastic - brushstrokes are invisible, and the coverage is great. Highly recommended if you're looking for something unique. This is 2 coats.

Note: Please excuse the bubbles / bumps. They in no way reflect the quality of the polish; and were actually caused by my top coat - which is, apparently, ready for retirement.

Fit For A Queen {Day 21}

Fit For A Queen is a Metallic Silver. I'm not a big fan of metallics; but this is a holiday collection so of course a few shiny shades would be included. Fit For A Queen is beautiful to look at - and apply! The formula was fantastic. It is super simple to work with; having no visible brushstrokes and leaving you with a smooth, even finish. This is 2 coats.

Hopscotch {Day 22}

Hopscotch is a Bright Burnt Orange. This color though...I die. I just absolutely love it; which is the rarest thing for me to say, seeing as how I usually have an aversion to orange / red nail colors. But this one...total stunner. Despite being a darker shade, the first coat is quite transparent; but it quickly builds to full opacity. This shade would be stellar for August / September because it has that burnt, morphing from summer to fall vibe going on. This is 3 coats.

Play Date {Day 24}

Play Date is a Coral-Leaning Bright Pink. This shade reminds me a lot of mark's Raspberry Framboise - which I loved; so you know how I feel about Play Date. This reads slightly more red on me than it does coral or pink; but that doesn't make it any less spectacular. The formula was fab - smooth, non-streaking, and quickly opaque. If you love red, this is a great summertime version. This is 2 coats.

FINAL THOUGHTS

I bought this set right after Christmas for the novelty factor {seriously, what beauty lover can resist a nail polish Advent Calendar?}, having never tried Ciaté before. Here we are, 7 months later, and Ciaté is now one of my Top 3 Favorite polish companies.

For me, the appeal of this set was the sample-like feel - you get 18 Mini Paint Pots and 6 Mini Effects Paint Pots for a little over $50.00, which is a brilliant deal when you take into consideration the fact that single, full-size Paint Pots from Ciaté run $15.00 per bottle. So yes, amazing deal price-wise; and quality is definitely not too shabby either.

The colors in this collection appear fairly commonplace for the polish world - in fact, they would make a nice starter set for a novice nail polish collector; however, each shade retains something unique that makes it a must for your mani stash {from the gray-meets-baby-blue Chinchilla to the sheer, peachy/nude shimmer known as Members Only}.

The quality of the formula is what impressed me the most. Not once did these polishes chip or show visible tipwear - regardless of how much I cooked, cleaned, texted {you know how that wreaks havoc on manis}...It's rare to find quality like that in polish {no matter what the price tag}; and, ultimately, clinched the deal for me. I will definitely be investing in this year's Ciaté Mini Mani Month Set.

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xx

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{fashion folio} borrowed from the boys

Sole Society Square Bangle in Gold + BAUBLEBAR Gold Geo Ear Jackets + Jimmy Choo Willis Leopard-Print Calf Hair Pumps + 1205 Ribbed Cotton Shirt + Sole Society Thin Layering Bangle in Gold + RIMMEL LONDON Scandal Eyes Lycra Flex Mascara in Black + Helmut Lang Stretch-Leather Leggings + Sole Society Cutout Chevron Bangle in Gold + Too Faced Full Bloom Crème Blush Cheek & Lip Rouge in Tea Rose
Chic up a crisp, borrowed-from-the-boys white button-down by pairing it with body-hugging black leather leggings and killer leopard-print pumps. Of-the-moment ear jackets add sparkle and a subtle statement; while a stack of gold bangles in assorted shapes and sizes help to personalize the look. Layer on the black mascara for lush, look-at-me doe eyes; completing your no-fuss makeup look with a natural flush on cheekbones and lips.

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xx

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{beauty board} sporty flush

Score a fresh-from-the-gym flush with a rosy-hued cream blush applied on the apples of cheeks for a look that's equal parts sporty, feminine, and decadently dewy.

Clockwise from Top
{1} Clarins Blush Crème in 03 Grenadine {$30.00}

{2} Too Faced Full Bloom Crème Blush Cheek & Lip Rouge in Prim & Poppy {$21.00}

{3} Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Hot Tamale {$7.05}

{4} MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Blush in 410 {$26.00}

{5} BOBBI BROWN Pot Rouge For Lips And Cheeks in Calypso Coral {$27.00}


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xx

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NOTD: Ciaté Paint Pot in Mango Martini

Three coats of Ciaté Paint Pot in Mango Martini from the Sun Catcher Nail Polish Collection. Autumn Orange.

Hello gorgeous.

You guys, I'm in love with this shade. It feels so strange to say that because it's orange {not the type of color I usually gravitate towards}; but it's so brilliant!.

Mango Martini is very much a wear-it-now-wear-it-later shade that seamlessly works for summer or fall {tell me it doesn't make you think of Thanksgiving}. The formula is phenomenal. It's creamy, breathtakingly beautiful, and lasts forever. No, seriously...six days later, there was no tipwear, and no chips...just the same loveliness that had been present since Day 1. I cannot recommend this shade enough.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.

xx

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FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Mango Martini was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

#AriaNightOut dinner at sage

When Vegas.com contacted me about their #AriaNightOut promo, I knew I had to participate - after all, as a SoCal resident, Vegas is like a second home; and while I have never visited the stunning resort known as the Aria, I can tell you that, from pictures alone, I kind of want to visit {and never leave}. Which brings me back to #AriaNightOut.

The Aria is home to dining, dancing, and amazing shows {Cirque du Soleil, anyone}; thus, for the #AriaNightOut Challenge, I was asked to choose an Aria venue, and put together an apropos ensemble for the occasion. I selected dinner at Sage...

Swoon-worthy, right? Given the ultra-glamorous vibes found at Sage, I knew that my look would have to be downright chic and sophisticated - and I think it most definitely is.

OPI Coca-Cola by OPI Nail Lacquer Collection in You're So Vain-illa + Jennifer Zeuner Jewelry Small Open Circle Necklace in Gold + Gorjana Desti Cuff Bracelet in Gold + Equipment Signature Washed-Silk Shirt + The Row Moto Stretch-Leather Skinny Pants + Rachel Zoe Quills Set of 2 Rings in Gold / Crystal + Stuart Weitzman Nudist Single Band Sandals in Black + MICHAEL Michael Kors Selma Large TZ Satchel in Black
What would YOU wear for dinner at Sage?


SHOP THE POST

xx

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FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with Vegas.com. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

$25.00 ROSS Gift Card Giveaway!

Summer shopping is about to get a little more sizzling for California residents. Why? ROSS has two Grand Openings happening next week on Saturday, July 19 @ 9:00am {complete location deets below}; and in honor of the latest dress for less debuts, one {1} lucky reader will take home a $25.00 Gift Card {essential for getting your summer shop on}.

I never tire of checking out new ROSS locations; so I am counting down the days until the two new SoCal shops open their doors:

Los Angeles, CA
855 S. Sepulveda Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90045


Pacoima, CA
9727 Laurel Canyon Blvd
Pacoima, CA 91331

I hope you'll be able to visit one of the latest additions to the ROSS enterprise; but, even if you're not located in California, you can still enter to win {using the Gift Card at a ROSS location near you}.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck babes!

xx

{picture via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: Two Gift Cards were provided to me by ROSS for this Giveaway - one for me, and one for the winner. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

floral. print. bomber.

Forever 21 Floral Print Bomber Jacket

It's so high-fashion yet incredibly affordable. The perfect combo, yes?

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

Ciaté Shell Manicure in Wish Upon A Starfish Review

Last week I dished on the Ciaté Shell Manicure in She Sells Seashells; and today I'm bringing you my thoughts on the Ciaté Shell Manicure in Wish Upon A Starfish.

Wish Upon A Starfish is a holographic white duo that contains the Paint Pot holographic polish Halo, and the Paint Pot Effect Wish Upon A Starfish {which consists of white iridescent shell bits}.

Since I did a double accent nail for my first Seashell Mani, I decided to go full out with Wish Upon A Starfish. My thoughts...

Halo is an iridescent, holographic polish that is predominately lilac / purple in hue; but has a color shift that moves from pale pink to baby blue. It is absolutely mesmerizing to look at; though, obviously, you can't see it here because it is covered in crushed seashells. One of my primary reasons for that nail art decision was...Halo is completely transparent. It serves best as a top coat over another polish as, even with multiple coats, it doesn't build in opacity. I used 2 coats.

Wish Upon A Starfish is the Effects Paint Pot. While She Sells Sea Shells featured a variety of Rock Candy-esque colored shades; the crushed seashells found in Wish Upon A Starfish are white with a beige/yellow/off-white undertone that mimics the interior color of a seashell. An incredibly accurate likeness, if I do say so myself.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While I think a simple accent would look incredibly elegant in this color scheme, I was going for a mermaid on her wedding day mani vibe, so I figured...why not go full out?

I really, really love this look. I wasn't sure how an all-10-fingers Shell Manicure would turn out, but the results are just beautiful. It truly looks as if I dipped my fingers into the sea, and pulled them out covered in diamond-like seashells. It's so majestic and regal!

Given my success with this set, I'm planning on trying it again doing a holo ombre - with the iridescent Halo being the base, moving into a Wish Upon A Starfish Effects gradient. Pretty, yes? I think so.

SHOP THE POST

xx

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FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Shell Manicure in Wish Upon A Starfish was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

{beauty board} fresh pastels

Neons may be the color of summer; but for an insta-tan and ultra-feminine feel, you can't go wrong with a fresh, opaque pastel. They're inarguably girly; and, something more to love...serve as a year-round type of pretty. Here are 7 sassy shades you need in your life!

Clockwise from Top
{1} DOLCE & GABBANA The Nail Lacquer in Pink {$25.00}

{2} Essie Go Ginza {$8.50}

{3} Sally Hansen Insta-Dri Nail Color in Blue Away! {$4.99}

{4} Bobbi Brown 'Uber Pinks' Nail Polish in Pink Cloud {$15.00}

{5} butter LONDON Nail Lacquer in Sprog {$15.00}

{6} OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE COSMETICS Nail Lacquer in Vapid {$10.00}

{7} FORMULA X New Neutrals in Unmistakable {$10.50}


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xx

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{fashion folio} summertime brunch

Saint Laurent Special Fit Cat Eye Sunglasses in Havana Rose Gold / Brown + Rag & Bone Enfield Mini Bag in White Croc + Kenneth Jay Lane Round Floating Stud Earrings in Clear + alice + olivia Embroidered Chiffon Maxi Dress + K. Jacques Bikini Wrap Flat Sandals in Lame Platine + Gorjana Camila Hammered Ring Set in Gold + Kate Spade New York City Fog Croc Embossed Watch in City Fog
A midi dress with a handkerchief hemline coupled with gilded ankle-wrap flat sandals add a goddess-like touch to your easy, breezy brunch attire. Keep the glamorous vibes going with cat eye sunnies and oversize stud earrings that are equal parts delicate and decadent. A hammered ring set injects a splash of edge to your ensemble; while a clean white mini bag and masculine-meets feminine watch {both croc-embossed} serve as a sophisticated finishing touch!

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xx

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NOTD: Nicole By OPI Lay It On the Lime

Three coats of Nicole By OPI Nail Polish in Lay It On the Lime from the Seize the Summer 2014 Collection. Pastel Lime.

This is my new favorite color for summer. End of story.

Seriously though...I love Lay It On the Lime. It is everything that an amazing summer nail shade should be - and my pictures are so not doing its beautiful brightness justice. Lay It On the Lime is near-neon in hue, yet retains that tan-enhancing pastel vibe I love so much.

The formula is thin, but it builds nicely {ideal for getting rid of unsightly VNL}; so you get an outrageously pretty opaque mani in just a few coats. Dig it.

What nail color are you rocking for #ManicureMonday?

Follow me on Instagram @cateyesandskinnyjeans to see more of my favorite nail colors / art.

xx

Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: I received Nicole By Opi's Lay It On The Lime from Nicole By OPI in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

inspo

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

summer wedding mania!

It seems like everyone I know has gotten engaged and/or is getting married this summer; thus, I am swooning over the dresses {Dresswe 2014 cheap plus size wedding dresses online promotion}, and, of course, the shoes {http://www.dresswe.com/wedding-shoes-4365/}. DressWe has a gorgeous selection of both {and then some}; so today, I'm sharing a few of my faves with you!

Elegant A-Line Strapless Court Train Embroidery Dasha's Wedding Dress
{The back detailing is absolutely brilliant, yes?}

Gorgeous Strapless A-line Floor-Length Chapel Embroidery Wedding Dress
{It's very Grace of Monaco}

Attractive A-line Strapless Floor-Length Chapel Lace Trimmed Wedding Dress
{I'm not sure which I love more - the corset-like bodice or the unexpected hemline}

Pure White Straps High Heel Wedding Shoes
{I can never resist an ankle strap}

Noble Silver PU Upper Stiletto Heels Open-toes Wedding Shoes
{They have an updated Cinderella feel to them, don't you think?}

Which pieces are you loving the most?

xx

{pictures via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

FTC Disclosure: This post was written in partnership with DressWe.com. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

happy 4th babes!

water balloon fights. bare feet. tan skin. fireworks. bonfires on the beach. dripping ice cream cones. beachy waves.

May your 4th of July feature all of the above.

Happy Happy!

x

{picture via}Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

15each.co Fashion Giveaway!

Give something good. Get something great.

That's the inspiring motto for 15each.co, an Online store that raises funds for U.S. disaster reliefs, while serving up killer deals on stellar styles. Each item available {many being vintage pieces or brand names such as J. Crew, BCBG, and Seven} is priced at $15.00, with $3.00 from each sale going towards natural disaster relief efforts and communities in need. Their current mission is raising money for Pensacola, Florida; and you can help by buying beautiful new treasures and/or donating your new or lightly used goodies. Right now, however, it's all about the win.

cat eyes & skinny jeans has partnered with 15each.co to bring one {1} fashionista a 15each.co Gift Card good towards 1 Free Item + Free Domestic Shipping!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Enter above, then check out the 2 videos below - the first giving you the lowdown on how 15each.co works {so you can participate in the cause}; the second showing you a news segment about 15each.co that aired in Pensacola, FL.

Good luck babes!

xx

{pictures via}
Instagram / Tumblr / Twitter

Ciaté Shell Manicure in She Sells Seashells Review

2014 has been the year of Ciaté for me - and I mean that. Before 2014, I hadn't so much as tried Ciaté polish; and now it makes up nearly half of my collection. I'm absolutely convinced that they have the most brilliant, original polish ideas to hit the market; and the recently released, limited edition Shell Manicure sets {there are 3 total} are no different. Today, I'm introducing you to the Ciaté Shell Manicure in She Sells Seashells.

She Sells Seashells is a pink multicolor duo that contains one Paint Pot creme polish {Candy Floss}, and one Paint Pot Effect {multicolored crushed seashells in She Sells Sea Shells}; allowing you the artistic freedom to create a beachy mani all your own.

I didn't feel like going full out with my first shell attempt, but I wanted more than an accent nail; so I did the next best thing...2 accent nails. It doesn't sound like much, but it definitely allows you to show off the multicolored goodness of the shell effect. Let's take a look...

Le sigh...no, seriously; when I look at this mani, I'm just completely in love. It's perfection.

You may remember me featuring Candy Floss a few months back in Part 2 of my Mini Mani Month Set Review, and my thoughts about the quality have not changed...it's still flawless in every sense of the word {not to mention the ultimate Barbie pink}. It reminds me a bit of Essie's Cascade Cool in that, in shade, subtle lavender undertones show up. The formula here was good. With a heavy hand, this could probably be a one coater. This is 2 coats.

She Sells Sea Shells, the Effects Paint Pot, consists of crushed seashells in a wide variety of shades ranging from iridescent Seafoam and Lavender, to Amber and Rose Pink that color shift and sparkle in the light or whenever you move your hand / fingers. The pieces range in size and shape - some being large and jagged and others being ground to pearlescent dust. It's an ethereal combination of colors that is insanely hard to stop staring at.

FINAL THOUGHTS

This is one of the most brilliant summer nail ideas I have ever seen - and such a fun way to add sparkle to your fingertips without the use of glitter.

I was expecting a texture similar to that of Ciaté's Caviar Effect; however, the texture and look of She Sells Sea Shells is actually very similar to that of Rock Candy. While the shell pieces look jagged and scratchy; they aren't - you simply have to make sure that no effect pieces are sticking out around the edges or at the nail tip {I gently ran a glass nail file around my nail to ensure that everything was on the nail bed before applying top coat}.

If you're looking for a fancy mani that's a little bit flirty and a lot of fun, I truly cannot recommend this one enough. It would be perfect for a beach party, right?

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xx

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FTC Disclosure: Ciaté's Shell Manicure in She Sells Seashells was provided to me for review. All opinions expressed herein are my own.

july crush list!

1. rock & roll vs. country I've said it about a billion times once, and I'll say it again...Too Faced is my hands-down favorite when it comes to eye shadow palettes; so I am super {supersupersuper} excited for their latest releases...the Rock N Roll Rock Candy Eye Shadow Collection, and the Country Nashville Nudes Eye Shadow Collection. The former is a little bit rock & roll {and super sexy}; the latter is a little bit country {and seriously sweet} - yet both feature essential shadow shades for creating a multitude of looks {from natural to vampy}. Truth: I covet both!

2. vintage rompers Obviously more suited for the sand than the streets; I am completely crushing on vintage rompers. They serve as the perfect nod to the Original Barbie's signature black and white striped swimsuit; and would make for the ideal attire for a sun-drenched vacay in the French Riviera. My two faves? Wildfox's Little Polka Dots Romper in Valentine, and Wildfox's Skipper Romper in Vintage Black {Barbie's little sis would totes approve}!

3. knuckle rings I usually opt for minute midi rings for their dainty elegance; but I lovelovelove oversize, bulky knuckle rings dotted in gems and exotic stones during the summer months. They pair so beautifully with cutoff denim and oversize, billowy tanks once the weather warms up, yes? I'm currently adoring Sole Society's Turquoise Statement Ring in Turquoise {because turquoise jewelry is a summer staple, of course}, and Sole Society's Linear Amethyst Ring in Purple Multi.

4. the flare The name of this blog alone is an indication of my devotion to skinny jeans; but the flare is having a moment in my personal style spotlight due in very large part to the fact that they: a} make your legs look insanely long and lean; and b} make you feel like one of Charlie's Angels {so important, amiright?}. My top picks are Rag & Bone/JEAN's The Elephant Bell Jeans in Cypress, and J Brand's 1197 Martini Jeans in Reflex. So perf, yes?

5. harrow Despite the rising temps, I have yet to pull out my sandals; instead, I've been literally living in my rag & bone Newbury Booties, and have arrived at the conclusion that...it's time to expand my collection. Enter Harrow. rag & bone's Harrow Bootie in Camel Two, and Grey both fit the wear now, wear later mantra; and, let's be honest, retain the ability to single-handedly turn even the most casual of ensembles up a notch.

What's on your July Crush List?


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xx

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