Dedicated to the girl who loves horses

I enjoy being a pioneer as much as Fayettevillemandy enjoyed learning about them as a ten-year-old tomboy (she admitted to me over our romantic Valentine's Day dinner that these two phases did in fact coincide). Pioneer meaning an admitted trailblazer within the Business and Enterprise Management major. Me creating my own concentration basically translated to, "Yes, bitches, I'm serious about this being a viable career." Whether it's merchandising, buying and planning/allocation or brand management, by conducting my own time-consuming research and reaching out to those far more educated than myself, I've learned a shit ton about the fashion industry and the careers that lie within. That being said, as the second half of OB has taught me, it's now my turn to step into the mentoring cycle to provide knowledge to my own little minions of fashion within business. Exhibit A: Raquel Scharyj.

Oh, herrrrrrro.

I seriously applaud Raquel's willingness to wear six-inch heels to finance class (in B-02, of course-- the practicality factor of Murphy's Law), as well as her effortless employment of my two most essential philosophies: balance and layering. From the scarf over sweater over dress top-half to the just-above-ankle socks / cognac footwear contrast, it's as if all my principles have come together before my eyes in a single cohesive form, a stylistic execution that approximately 98.27435% of girls at Wake Forest have yet to learn. And from the trials of Theresa Breitton, we all know just how damn comfortable these Aldo oxfords are... naaahhhhttt. So let us raise our glasses to the future fashion trailblazers of Kirby Hall, and wish Raquel well on the final half of her semester before she begins a kick-ass internship at Oscar de la Renta in the greatest city in the world.

Scarf: (Roman street vendor)

Cardigan: Urban Outfitters

Belt: Comptoir de Cotonniers

Dress: Splendid

Socks: (own)

Shoes: FORNILI, Aldo

Wait. Jungle king. I'm totally not done. Aldo's shoe collection for Spring is quite good, minus those few bad apples, notably these and these... just no. Also, while imitation may be the sincerest form of flattery, trying to overtly channel the one and only Jeffrey Campbell does not earn Aldo cool points. Stowing the negativity away for just two seconds, here are a few of my favorites.

CAPECORAL, $80

URQUIZA, $90

DESTIME, $90

AIME, $80

DONILON, $110

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Slight attention deficit

I was researching up on my new source of inspiration, Trolley Square's Miss Dallas Shaw (post coming later), when I came across this blog created by image and wardrobe consultant, Greenville's own JoJami Tyler. Sounds like the most fun and baller job EVER. Real life aside, I found a post that featured the most beautiful over-the-knee boots I have ever seen in my entire life. Simple but not bland, worn but not rugged, Tory Burch but not the Reva flat. I'm undeniably in love. Pure fashion perfection.

Elena Over-the-Knee Boot

Tory Burch, $550

And while we're on the topic of visual perfection, why not allot a few minutes just to contemplate how stunning, gorgeous, hot, beautiful, incredible, fabulous and ultimately extraordinary Sienna Miller is? Gawd. These captures are from Alfie, one of the most depressing yet lesson-to-be-learned movies of all time, even if I was enjoying it with the best possible company (second family) in the best possible place (One River Place, apartment #428). But yeah, sucks to be Mr. Perpetual Bachelor, no? Someone cleely needs to watch this movie, maybe learn a thing or two... probz not though. xoxo gossip girl circa summer 2010. The second half of this post is dedicated in its entirety to Theresa Breitton and Yuri Bong. Love you both more than words could ever say lolz.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Threadsence

Thanks to the wonderful Natasha Lal, I now have yet another black hole of fashion to distract me from work second semester senior year (God, that's scary). I was skeptical, initially writing if off as just another name to add to the hypothetical Rolodex of online boutiques, but after showing me her recent purchase, a pair of taupe leather combat boots for a mere $42, I starred the page and dove right in per usual. Below are some of my favorites pages of the Threadsence Winter 2010 Look Book.

And now my favorite items. Totally pushing my boundaries here, which I love.

Staying in the Lines Cross-Back Top, $29

So Stunned Studded Dress, $39

Soft in Suede Mesh Back Dress, $33

Fur-iendly Leopard Faux Moto Coat, $72

Tribal Traditions Printed Top, $29

Aztec Empire Open Back Dress, $35

Draped in Feathers Dress, $38

Shrugg Au Natural Dress

Lamixx, $34

Abstract Daze Halter Dress, $33

Asymmetrical Oversize Swoosh T-shirt

Babooshka, $48

Crops of Flowers Blazer, $37

Wonderful in Lace Dress, $52

Fourth of July Dress

MINKPINK, $79

Polka Dot Paradise Sleeveless Blouse, $32

Fantastic Mr Faux Fur Hooded Vest, $44

Slasher Shorts

MINKPINK, $70

Yumie Wedges

Matiko, $72

In the Army Lace Up Heels, $44

Black Wilderness Boots, $65

Distressed Fold-over Lace Up Boots, $48

I'm actually dying at the prices. "I feel... funny? Why is this happening? Is this real life?" Legitimate and affordable. I think I've found the retailer equivalent of a new best friend. Meaning this is best friend #901... exciting.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Ultimate shoe-gasm

Cher Monsieur Saint Laurent, I think I just died and went to heaven. And regarding the price tags? A girl can dream. Then again, a little extrinsic motivation never hurt anyone. "When I'm baller..."

Patent Leather Stingray Tribute, $995

Palais Peep-Toe, $780

Tribute, $760

Deauville Strappy Wedge, $695

Python Tribtoo, $1,295

Divine Patent, $695

Palais Suede Fur-Trim, $880

Tribute Platform, $760

Tribute Cork, $795

Deauville Suede Wedge, $695

Deauville Wedge, $695

Woodstock Platform, $950

Python Tribute, $1,395

Tribtoo Patent Leather, $795

Palais Suede Leather, $720

Tribute Patent Leather Platform, $760

Though there still exists a void which only the nude patent and cognac leather styles could fill, I'm happy to say that after writing this post, my heart is very aesthetically pleased.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.