I want the whole world

I went a little crazy Tuesday. I don't think there's a more perfect term to describe my impulsive / resourceful behavior than "engaging in a spree". Oopsies. These actions can absolutely be attributed to Theresa Breitton's presence, which is more than anything, truly wonderful. (If you want a little insight into how our brains work, please feel free to take a peek at my Twitter. I'm such a kindhearted individual, no?) Regardless, being the bottom-of-the-iceberg slightly bitchy nicest-girl-ever is not what leads me to receive the regular, "You know fashion. Let me ask you something" 's. I'd like to think my refined judgment and zeal regarding personal style, however, is.

That being said, enter my recent purchases circa two nights ago.

Multi Knit Sweater Cardigan

Forever 21, $28:

At first glance, I was skeptical about the legitimacy of this piece. On the (perpetually sloppy) rack, this sweater kind of looked like a tragic lump of unwanted fabric, dusted slightly with a hint of glitter. After putting it on though, it's like the boho-chic fashion gods approved. Even with my ultra-petite frame, the sleeves don't even come close to swallowing up my arms and twig-thin wrists. If anything, the volume of the sleeves is what adds to the drama of the entire piece itself. Fortunate timing for me, my fellow Delaware fashionphile and newest bff, Melanie Rose was also browsing the Christiana XXI and I received her sign-off to purchase it after providing an elucidated rebuttal about why I couldn't find a comparable piece at Family Thrift Center. Thanks again, young grasshoppa.

Striped Purl Knit Top

Forever 21, $13:

Seriously? $13 for a blouse this versatile? Only at Forever. Hopefully it doesn't get snagged on something at a party then unravel as the night goes on...

And so begin the H&M purchases. I came in with the intention of purchasing the pair of acid wash leggings I had seen the day after Christmas, only to discover they had disappeared from the original back-right section of the store. Lame. I grabbed this grommet belt and moved on.

Gold Grommet Belt

H&M, $6

To my delight, I found the acid wash leggings on my way out. So excited to break these out in a frat basement and freak people out. As I told Amanda, I've been getting addicted to the shock factor of outfits, so I can proudly say I've been carrying out my first resolution very well (see: outfit I wore to Toscana / Kid Shelleen's last night).

And one final thing to ponder (among many...), what about these Deena & Ozzy lace-up combat boots? They were kind of stiff to the touch, and the arch of the heel was unbearable. But for $30, I almost had to get them. Even though I mentioned here that a foldover or sweater-knit top would be prerequisites for my single pair of laced combat boots, I was really drawn to these (or the price, at least) and can't decide if I should go back and get them. I could be throwing away a huge investment here (or, just $30), but as was the theme this weekend, "let fate decide". Thoughts?

Heeled Lace-Up Boot

Deena & Ozzy, $30 (from $78)

Shit, now I really want them. We'll see what happens with this mini-blizzard tomorrow...

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

New Year's Resolutions 1.0

How clever, right? But in the spirit of honoring what could have possibly been the very best weekend of my life, I think it's appropriate to concretely address my sartorial goals for the upcoming year. 2011. How the fuck did we get here? I honestly didn't think I'd make it past first semester freshman year (which happened, but just barely). Now, I'm sitting here with my sixth BlackBerry and officially-retired cognac H&M cross body bag (which has since been replaced by an Ann Taylor semi-quilted black leather gold-chain-link satchel, similar to the one below sans the bow, and half the quilting), and wondering what I can actively do in these next five (less than five, really) months in terms of improving myself before the culmination of this entire college experience: graduation.

Bow Quilting Single Shoulder Bag

Marc Jacobs, $550

I know this post sounds like it's headed somewhere lame and nostalgic, but one has to wonder what these past four years would have been like without say, my beloved/necessary Calloway locker, breakout room #117B (more recently, C), and of course, fratting hard and often. Engrossing myself completely in my studies and social life at Wake has influenced me in ways, but I still vow not to fall victim to engrossing myself in its rather defined culture of dress. After spending the past celebratory weekend in my favorite city in the world, something innate challenged me to go riskier than ever before. Marbled acid-wash denim leggings paired with 6-inch suede-velvet over-the-knee boots (foldover, and thus convertible to thigh-highs)? Done. I can't wait to see the look on people's faces when I break out my silver sequin shorts or massively torn jean cutoffs (thanks to a single day party, in fact) over a pair of sheer black tights to a lounge party. We shall see.

535 Legging in Old School

Levi's, $32

In keeping with my goal of making goals, here are the resolutions I've established, listed in descending order of urgency. (If you know me at all, this should not surprise you one bit.)

1. Yes, an outfit may look like it works. But would it make a statement when getting drinks at Soho House? If the answer is no, it'll be my duty to make it more interesting. For an outfit to be truly awesome, something should look a bit off about it. Being too obviously and consciously put-together is overrated. Effortless layering is way more fun. Unless I'm going to a business casual event or networking dinner, there are no excuses to looking shamefully safe and commonplace.

My philosophy of balance and layering in a nutshell, courtesy of LF Trend Reports. Nicely done, and totally inspirational. Shoutout to Kara Fabella on this one.

2. Make heels a regular occurrence. I'm absolutely not talking about some unnecessary pointy-toe stilettos, but rather, over-the-knee boots, gladiator wedges or heeled combat boots. It's normal in the city, so why can't it be here, too?

3. Make a constant effort to accessorize. This has been my goal since seventh grade, and I'll admit, to this day, I still haven't mastered it successfully. Don't get intimidated by how much a necklace or earrings will drastically improve the dimensions of the outfit. In the end, the ROI of taking the time to pick out the piece will be well worth it. Scarves are good, too, as long as I don't lose them...

4. Wear fur, studs, fringe, cut-out and leather at Wake, somehow, some way.

Wow. Seriously, what would people do if I tried to channel Posh or L. Lo while walking through the Swan Room? Lolz.

5. Look for pieces in places I wouldn't normally go. This break, instead of heading to the usual trusty suspects, I ventured out of my way and made some of my most versatile purchases (imported cowboy boots, oversized flannels and black suede lace-up booties) at Zane Western Apparel, Kohl's and Traffic... I'm dead serious. Initially cringe-inducing, yes, but after taking the time to filter out the 99% of absolutely heinous stuff, it's completely worth it.

6. Actually go thrifting. Man up. Stop being a snob, accept that other people previously owned these items and recognize that this may be the best $6 I ever spent on a jacket or knit sweater.

Both of these little boys' blazers (1, 2) were less than $5 from thrift stores. Baller.

7. Invest in blazers. Differentiate from my beloved black, pinstripe-lined original and explore different color palettes and textures, like velvet and herringbone.

8. Research a new coveted celebrity every few weeks and incorporate elements of his/her personal style into my own outfits on a daily basis.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

London scenery

As you've perhaps gleaned, I'm all about long-anticipated arrivals. So I was thinking... since I'm still at this over a year later, why not finally post the brilliant, inspirational London locals I photographed last F/W? According to my very favorite words from the wise Louis Vuitton Don (as terribly douchey as I'm sure many of you may believe him to be), "I know it's late and I took all year / but you can stop complainin', 'cause I'm finally here".

London Fashion Weekend 2009

Somerset House

23 September 2009:

Okay so the girl on the left chose a less-than-perfect time to blink. I wasn't going to leave it and pray no one would notice, because let's be real-- who doesn't judge a book by its cover? Realizing my serious interest in fashion by age 9, I was obviously one of those kids. Now back to these girls I met in line for the LFW '09 indoor sample sales, I was mesmerized by their effortless skill of layering. Even though it was nearing October, the center girl clearly didn't let the sharp London wind stop her from sporting a rather leg-bearing structured skirt. Paired with a navy blazer and those badass motorcycle boots, she conveys a take-charge look that perfectly suits her build. This skirt and boot combo represents the perfect departure from the unfortunate American desire to perpetuate the destroyed jean skirt/sand-colored UGG's look. So high school, so Jersey and just so embarrassing.

I love Blink Girl's (please never let her find this site...) drapey chambray blazer; the zip detailing is very different from the typical single-button schoolboy blazers you find in preppy goldmines like J. Crew. Ever since I read the Teen Vogue (if I remember accurately) feature in high school celebrating the combination of denim and cognac leather, I will always deem an outfit 900x more aesthetically pleasing should it display this particular interplay of color and texture. The girl on the right displays the quintessential candid celebrity outfit: oversized layered tops balanced with leggings and dainty ballet flats on the bottom. Seeing fashionable girls in group does to a certain extent seem to exemplify parts of the Cheerleader Effect (props, Mr. Stinson), but if anything, it works to your benefit if everyone is dressed consistently well.

23 September 2009:

These Italian beauties were kind enough to pose for a quick shot in front of the runway after Day 1's Manish Arora and Aquascutum shows. Making wonderful use of suede knee-high boots in two very different shades of brown, these girls played up their otherwise monochromatic outfits (besides the Patricia Field-designed limited edition pink leopard-print Ugly Betty Coca-Cola bottles we were gifted, of course. Yes, I still have mine). Standing by their neutral color palette, they make it work with their black minis and utilize shiny black leather in the form of an oversized tote and shrunken moto jacket to create another dimension for the top half of their outfits.

Slung Low's "They Only Come at Night"

Barbican Theatre

10 November 2009:

Zanna Beswick is for sure the only professor I have met who has not only shown appreciation for my fashion interest, but has encouraged it. Because it's awesome to have a professor who sports a black leather motorcycle jacket, it was just as awesome to meet her niece Georgia, who expressed her fascination with American brands, particularly the very familiar A&F and Hollister Co., and it was a great fashion-pertinent example of the cultural diffusion I learned so much about in Middle School. Citing Topshop as one of her all-time favorite British brands, I love Georgia's blazer/floral blouse/mini outfit combination with sheer tights and flats.

London Underground

18 September 2009:

Girl crush alert. How gorgeous are they? While the girl on the left's ensemble is not exactly groundbreaking and is actually rather reminiscent of the black elastic-waist colorblocked dresses I'm so very fond of (I say this dripping with sarcasm), it looks great on her, accentuating her tiny waist and hourglass figure. The girl on the right exhibits great use of dark tights and an adorably feminine dress. Usually I'm not the biggest fan of cap-sleeve blouses or dresses (this isn't fifth grade anymore, after all), but I am in awe of the major strengths of this dress. The jacquard fabric works perfectly with the textured trimming on the hem. The black vertical lines create a lengthening, corset effect, which I love. Certain dresses and tops get this line concept terribly wrong, but this is great.

24 November 2009:

I love this look because it is what it is: casual, carefree and candid. This girl's outfit isn't in any way over the top because it's quite the opposite: dressing well because it's the norm, not the exception. I love that in London, you can walk around for five minutes and find that nearly every female dresses like she walked out of an international fashion magazine without even trying. And I ask, why can't Americans everywhere dress like this? Instead, they resort to designer denim (yes, intuitively good) but pair it with something blah like a candy-colored Michael Stars or Three Dots cotton top (usually costing somewhere between a painful $50-$100... for a plain cotton tee. Why.), a black pashmina and Sperry's, defending their need to "look put together". Or maybe I'm just channeling the South. Regardless, this girl's use of balance and dark colors is just fantastic overall.

27 November 2009:

Now this is exactly what I imagine when I think about London and Euro fashion. What's not to love? Sure, it's slightly crazy, but that's also what's so damn commendable. Huge fluffy jackets, skinny jeans and shiny oxfords. While present-day American girls are just starting to experiment gingerly with one of the above trends, London locals seem to just have it in their blood to take risks and go a little wild. The best part is, to them, this is no big deal, even mild relative to actually going out of their way to dress with true innovation on the mind.

In short, while I undoubtedly wasn't the happiest girl in the world in London (minus spending 100% of my time with the wonderful Kristen Wood), I turned it around, learning a hell of a lot about myself and my interests, and was able to absorb as much as possible about their fashion-obsessed culture and norms of dressing. Juxtaposing a typical outfit of a British university student with that of a typical Wake Forest undergrad (guy or girl), I can't help but shake my head in disbelief at the extreme discontinuity in what's considered clean-cut and even worse, "cute". We'll see how this new year shapes up.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

The university sartorialist

Sam Edelman Zoe platform wedge ankle booties. Barely-there denim cutoffs… sheer floral tights… a black scoop-neck crop top… a suede fringe vest… and lastly, two thin pyramid-studded belts and a buttery-leather hobo bag essentially serving as the peripheral goods of the outfit. Welcome to my world. As skillful as I am at distracting myself from the true applications of Productions and Operations Management by dreaming up these whimsical sartorial concoctions, I will rightfully admit to being even more of a Style Rookie than Tavi Gevinson. So what does this have to do, you may ask, with the photo of the stunningly handsome guy in the picture below?

Ladies, meet my best friend (aww), eligible bachelor Angel Reyes. As NUE Agency’s blog editor and social media director, this city kid’s effortlessly put-together style always makes me feel much less harsh in pleading guilty to becoming somewhat of a snob in terms of my standards of dressing. Crediting sources like Kanye and Lupe as former style influences, Angel utilizes his personal style as a tool to maneuver through the music industry with artist and event promotion both in New York City as well as here at Wake.

The look shown here made a recent appearance at Mountain Weekend formal in the classiest of classy locales: Oak Hill, West Virginia. Viewing this outfit under a microscope, each piece pulls equal weight as Angel makes brilliant use of balance and layering, two concepts central to my own fashion philosophy. The Tommy Hilfiger fitted v-neck knit/Club Monaco button-down match is a combo familiar to many fraternity formals, but the slim-fit 7 For All Mankind jeans are what truly make the outfit noteworthy. Name one other guy at Wake who has the balls to pull off this look successfully. I rest my case.

Bringing the design aesthetic of Ralph Lauren (not only Polo, but also brand extensions Rugby and Club Monaco) to life, Angel personifies the classicism and luxury heritage of a supreme lifestyle brand. Also citing companies like Band of Outsiders, Generic Surplus and 7FAM as favorites, Angel reveres basic pieces because they “give you more opportunity to just put together a bunch of things and make a great-looking outfit—there’s no room for doubt or indecisiveness. You have to be confident about your choices.” Speaking of confidence, things to keep in mind girls? Angel declares, “The most attractive girls to me are the ones that know they’re wearing something different, don't really care, and look great doing it.”

On the subject of Wake’s “pretty generic” fashion scene, Señor Reyes states, “There’s a pretty standard look for everyone, but then again, it’s college. You see everyone at their best and you see everyone at their worst. Nothing really wows me here; everyone dresses safely. The culture of this school doesn’t promote individuality as far as style and fashion go.” Hearing this time and time again, I can’t help but wonder what it is then that prompts everyone to adhere so closely to these so-called rules of dressing. Any famous last words, Angel? Referring once again to on-campus style, he admits, “I wouldn't really change anything. I don't think people should really be worried about developing their individual style during college. It's really not that important when you stack it up against everything else that you’re doing. As most people develop, style fills the gap between how you see yourself and how you want other people to see you. It's in there somewhere—everyone has style. It's a matter of finding a way to express it without seeming like you’re trying.”

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Statement pieces

There is nothing remotely average about sophomore Bentrice Jusu’s personal style. Flaunting an easy light-wash denim button down and versatile black skinny jeans (both coveted staple items in my own transitional summer-to-fall wardrobe), I was determined to introduce myself to and get to know this walking textbook definition of nonchalant urban chic. What first caught my eye about Bentrice’s entire getup were her utterly awesome boots, a hybrid of the hiking boot, combat boot and high-top flat oxford—an undeniable necessity for fall. Where the majority of Wake girls tend to constantly over-utilize their beloved chestnut UGG Classic Short/Tall’s, Bentrice instead opted for personality-packed lace-up boots that scream distinction and command attention. Her worn camel-toned leather boots take a new spin on the traditional black leather combat boot popularized recently by Megan Fox in the “Love the Way You Lie” music video which I recently wrote about.

My reverence for the rest of the outfit worked from the ground up. One of the first blog posts I ever wrote was about my favorite black denim J Brand skinny jeans. With the form-fitting cigarette leg and inconscpicuous yellow/orange stitching, my favorite dark skinny jeans are a familiar wardrobe staple for the most esoteric of fashionistas. Like Bentrice, I also love the stylistic effect that comes from tucking jeans into the chunkiest of boots—if you’ve seen me on campus at all, you’ll know that I really could not survive a day without my trusty Sam Edelman cowboy boots. 

On top, a denim button-up is one of the simplest outfit enhancers that exists today. Matching it with a pair of rain-wash leggings or even sporting it unbuttoned over a monochromatic silky floral babydoll dress like I suggested here (or even a pair of dark-wash denim skinny jeans—don’t let the jeans-on-jeans aspect deter you) instantly challenges an outfit to go one step further. Instead of opting for the typical cuffed-sleeve, pastel-pink-and-white-striped PRL oxford to wear with a pair of bootcut 7FAM’s and black patent Reva flats (perhaps the safest of safe Wake uniforms), I commend Bentrice for making a statement with her ultimately cohesive outfit appearing as if it were just thrown together without a thought more—which is probably my favorite statement made of all.

Cross-posted HERE.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Singer 22 Lookbook

I'm actually kind of glad Singer22 is strictly an online boutique (in my reality anyway, seeing as how I've never been to the Long Island location), because if I browsed even for a few minutes in real life, I might just die of happiness and excitement-- really now, do you expect anything less? Always well-stocked with some of my favorite esoteric brands like LaROK, Mara Hoffman and Pencey, Singer22 is one of my favorite retail sites because they constantly exhibit fashionable celebrities in their natural, candid and in my opinion, most stylish moments. There's something about tiny celebs toting bottomless hobo bags and oversize shades paired with ripped lightwash denim, Starbucks latte in hand. Believe it or not, that's the angle of paparazzi kingdom I enjoy the most. Yes, having no privacy sucks, but if I had to scrutinize celebrities, I'd much prefer real-life shots to the intensely glitzy red carpet wonderland of hairspray-molded updos and jewel-toned satin gowns.

Below are some of the most inspirational concepts from Singer 22's current Lookbook to transition between summer and fall. I know it's October, but I can't get over the lightness of some of the fabrics, and I really just can't let go of the thought of warm weather and a legitimate amount of  free time, preferably sober... not even kidding. Some of these looks might be a bit surprising (teaser: clogs and denim-on denim), but the point I'm trying to make is that these outfits are all about the thought behind it. I can imagine the ideas that went into crafting the proportions and intensity of each garment, and this to me is how wearable art is defined. Leave it up to me to get butterflies over rainwash jeggings and anything House of Harlow 1960. I want it all.

LA Chic: These first three looks really personify for me the essence of effortless LA chic. I'm such a fan of the contrast in movement between the swingy white tunic top and the acid-wash jeggings in look 2. Also, I never thought I'd say this but I am really loving the interplay between light and dark wash denim. This look really came to life for me one of my first dramatic weekends in NYC this summer, utilized first in my experience by the ever-stylish Miss Yuri Bong.

Floral Blooms: I am obsessed with these floral prints. The discount brands may have attempted to botch the coolness of floral by stamping it on anything and everything, but these outfits prove that moderation of loud, colorful prints is key. My goal is still to find the perfect button-up jean vest and wear it with something totally unexpected like the playful skirt in the top look.

Hippie and the City: This series of outfits totally screams Austin, Texas. Now I've never been to this hipster-land, but if I'm reading personal style right, Hippie and the City is totally channeling Emily Osowski and I could not be happier. Utilizing both the jean vest and those undeniably awesome clogs, the third look is my favorite without a doubt.  Talk about versatile.

Siwy: Siwy might be one of the most under-appreciated brands ever. Seriously, how freaking cool are these cutout leggings? Obviously not a day party staple, but they have so much potential in the city context.

JET by John Eshaya: I remember receiving my first JET tank as a gift sophomore year of high school. And now John Eshaya makes really cool jeans? Going to school in the south has pushed my life back under a rock. Nevertheless, I am loving this wash and am not afraid to make it work here at school.

House of Harlow 1960: It's like everything Nicole Richie does (post-Simple Life) these days is the shit. I love her hairstyles, I love her makeup and I love her personal fashion philosophy. Representing petite girls everywhere, Richie always epitomizes what it means to be chic. Though I'm not yet a jewelry aficionada, I am a die-hard fan of House of Harlow and am waiting on the very right moment to add one of her pieces to my wardrobe.

Lindsay Lohan: I will not lie-- I am a huge fan of some of Lindsay Lohan's outfits. Whether it's candid shots at the airport or grocery, the girl always looks like she dressed with a purpose. That's perhaps the one thing that Emily and I agreed about about Wake fashion. We can see the individual pieces for where the outfit was supposed to go, then disjointly, how the outfit was ultimately executed. Where confused dressers are lacking is where celebrities reign supreme. If you're going to look homeless, at least look good-homeless. It's really not all that difficult.

Love Quotes: I've said it 900 times before, but I love fall fashion. Scarves are a fantastic staple item in cooler weather-- utilitarian in form and function. Imagine each of these outfits without the scarf and the look changes immediately. This collage is the perfect justification for investing in a key fall item. Though, if my philosophy has taught you anything at all, you know there's a 100% chance you will not see me breaking my back over a single pashmina costing upwards of $90.

Loaded post. Lucky for me, images say it all.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.

Summer's last hurrah

So as summer winds down, I'm at the annual transitional crossroads between summer and fall. It's not quite Indian Summer or autumn yet, but my favorite seasons are approaching and I can hardly wait. The only dilemma I have is exactly how to allot my budget. I've been dying to get a solid pair of cognac gladiator platform wedges. Should I give them a chance now that it's mid-August, or move on to black tuxedo stilettos, something that can be paired with a peacoat and opaque tights? Wow. Maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself.

Regardless, there are still a good lot of sandals that I've been lusting over, the majority of which are by Dolce Vita. I recently purchased a pair of black/gold ecoté flat gladiators from Urban Outfitters for under $30. These will get the job done for pulling together my usual homeless-chic outfits (a term of endearment), but don't provide the extra oomph that a pair of leather wedges do. After searching obsessively for the past three days and nights, below are my options to celebrate the last leg of summer.

Dolce Vita >> Raleigh >> $170: Raleigh wins the "Most Likely to Be Purchased" award. I'm hell-bent on making the cognac color mine, but they're sold out almost everywhere in my size. All three colors are great neutral shades to tie together any outfit combination. I can easily envision myself wearing a simple black crop top with my Joe's Jeans jean shorts uncuffed carrying an oversize satchel and aviators and sporting any one of these shoes. Then again, these wedges could also go well with J Brand cigarette leg dark jeans and a slouchy wool sweater for fall and winter. Sooooo many options, therefore, a must-have. And I'm not just being impulsive.

Twelfth St. by Cynthia Vincent >> Luella >> $405: I am obsessed with Cynthia Vincent's line of wedges for S/S 10. Every single pair makes my heart smile because of all the versatility it could provide to one's wardrobe. These shoes look like they'd go great with cuffed boyfriend shorts and a wrinkled plaid button down as well as any pair of jeans for fall. These pictures make the shoe look a little more rugged than I'm sure it really is, but even then, it gives off a tough-girl vibe and is ready to be paired with more lighthearted pieces for a to-die-for outfit.

Dolce Vita >> Helix >> $173: These shoes are something else. A hybrid loosely reminiscent of grommet-studded clogs, buckled gladiator sandals and espadrille wedges, the Helix is the genius creation of Dolce Vita to serve as the ultimate versatile shoe. These shoes are brilliant, gorgeous, playful and structured-- all at the same time. With the "x" straps at the toes, the parallel buckle straps and the side cutouts, the designers clearly employed shapes as being an important concept to the finished product. I love.

Dolce Vita >> Reno 2 >> $80: Different from many non-espadrille wedges, these shoes don't feature buckles or side straps because of they're basically the girly sandal cousin to high top sneakers. I love these shoes for a number of reasons, number one being that they're totally unexpected. It's certain shoes like these, that are strange upon first glance, but warrant a second look upon turning away. Like the Raleigh sandal, these shoes have those interesting Dolce Vita cutouts on the side that add an extra hint of fun. The platinum silver color is most definitely my favorite-- the black, white or tan are just too Robin Hood for me.

J. Crew >> Cleo >> $165: There are always those families of products, that when presented together, complement each other so well that a customer is rendered helpless but to want to buy the whole lot of them. That's exactly what these wedges do to me every time I look at them together. These shoes give off a much more refined look than the other trendier sandals, but they still reflect summer, romance and femininity. The grey sandal is definitely the underdog here. I first overlooked it, then realized how unbelievably cool that white heel was. The light brown is pretty self-explanatory, but the dark brown might look a little too earthy unless paired with riskier pieces.

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent >> Mason >> $350: These are my dream shoes right now. Literally everything about this shoe is perfect (besides the price, ouch). I would wear these shoes every day if I got them; they're that versatile. These shoes are totally channeling petite celebs like Rachel Bilson and Nicole Richie, and that's why I love them. The buttery camel leather paired with the tougher gold buckle detailing is what makes the shoe so high-quality and perfect. Definitely my favorite in this set.

Dolce Vita >> Rozene >> $199: I know, I know. These shoes are crazy at first glance, but when you take a step back, they're definitely more refined than you'd expect. The shoe is covered with cresenct-moon cutouts and studs, but that doesn't detract from its versatility at all. I can totally imagine petite girls wearing this shoe stepping out on Melrose in two long, layered barely-there tanks and jean shorts for daytime, or a vest and skinny jeans bar-hopping at night. This is such a vest shoe, and it's amazing that one look can determine that. It's like being fashion-psychic... definitely a resume booster.

So yes, a loaded post indeed. Now that I've finished raving about all these shoes, it's time for me to go and do something about it. The outfit combos are endless, and I'm just getting started.

Here's to you, fashion. Cheers.