the best accessory

One of the best ways to finish off an outfit is with a good nail polish. Here are my fall 2011 picks!

OPI's Lincoln Park After Dark has been a staple of mine for years. I love the chic, shiny deep purple and how it seems to go with everything. It looks amazing with shorter nail lengths!

Lady Like is one of six shades in Essie's fall collection--three of which I knew I had to own. It's a light mauve shade that almost lends itself as a neutral.

I didn't like Wallis by Butter London in the bottle, but swatched on a nail it is a rockstar. It was released in what they called a "luxe-grunge" collection, which is a bit of a rough and tough take on fall's jewel tones. Obsessed!

Power Clutch by Essie is another from their autumn collection. It's kind of a steely-grey green...one of my favorite things about fall nail colors is that you can get away with kind of awkward, not necessarily "pretty" colors. They're dirty and deep and I love them.

For a bit of color, Chop-sticking to My Story from a past OPI collection does the job. A bright rusty orange, it looks great with browns and reds and fabulous fall knits.

J.Crew cotton stripe tank, Burberry Prorsum cotton trousers, Lela Rose cropped trench, Michael Kors crossbody, Vera Wang flats, Essie Power Clutch nail color

As summer transitions into fall, use my favorite trick to stay on trend by wearing fall colors in summer silhouettes--such as these lightweight crepe trousers and tank paired with a rusty leather crossbody and a fave fall nail color.

from the streets

Portland, Oregon is one of my absolute favorite places. Whether I'm driving through or staying a few nights (just a few hours from Seattle), I always leave feeling so refreshed and inspired by the lifestyle.

Urban Weeds is a Portland street style blog written by the lovely Lisa Warninger. It is a site I visit daily for outfit inspiration, so I decided to compile a few of my favorite looks for readers of Zipped!

Sage and Lynnsy

I am personally in the market for a pair of oxfords, and totally coveting Sage's! Love her bright orange layer under the denim too. Lynnsy has effortless layering skills, an adorable dog, and cites her mother as her style icon. I love her edgy printed tee with the classic denim shorts!

Julia and Lenay

Julia's printed scarf, cowboy boots, and super flattering high-waist skirt...what's not to love? Need. Lenay's. Skirt. In. My. Closet. Obviously. The crossbody bag pulls it together flawlessly.

Which look is your favorite?

Side note, author Kimberly S. Lin recently sent me a copy of her book, Recession Proof, about a gal named Helen whose life gets turned upside down as a result of the economic recession. The book has a lovable main character and a fun Sex and the City vibe, but please note that this book contains adult content i.e. not for my younger readers :-) Big thanks to Kimberly, as I love having books to add to my collection!

flare flair

 Ana chiffon tank, vintage Jordache denim, random sandals, Donna bucket bag c/o Cut n' Paste

Flares! Flares! Flares! In the words of my sister, "I haven't seen this look on you since junior high!" True enough, but I am totally embracing these super seventies midwash jeans.  Makes it even better that they are a true vintage brand, Jordache! (Which, duh, I just learned how to pronounce...)

You all know I adore my black fringe Lia tote by Cut n' Paste, so I'm sure you can understand my enthusiasm when I received one of their Donna bucket bags in the mail! They are for sale at Free People in black and tan...get your hands on one of these like now! They are all about vintage-inspired, timeless bags that only look better with time. Be sure to check out the Sweetwater crossbody exclusively at Free People, an lovely fringed piece that has officially made its way onto my wish list.

I've had some requests to list my nail color more regularly, sorry I didn't snap a detail shot of this one! It's Lily by Revlon, and the most beautiful summery lilac shade. On that note, get outside and enjoy! I'm off to meet my new baby cousins :)

feet first: FALL

Faaavorite fall flat: loafers.

Click for details

Report, Minnetonka

Rebels, Lauren Ralph Lauren

Sam Edelman, Beverly Feldman

Once known as a common "granny" shoe, loafers are making a comeback in all sorts of sleek, fun, and unexpected forms. Whether you wear them in a shiny blush patent or fiery orange snakeskin, loafers all have one thing in common: the comfort factor.

Topshop sweater, Dries Van Noten jeans, Fendi loafers, Forever 21 ring, ASOS belt, Melie Bianco bag

I'm ssooo in love with this kelly green Fendi pair, especially paired with this knockout pair of Dries Van Noten wide-leg, high-waisted jeans. This is like my perfect back to school outfit--how great is that Melie Bianco tote? Buttery soft vegan leather is as cool as it comes, especially when it can fit your notebooks.

Ready for fall? I think I can finally say yes.

inside the lines

I wear pencil liner all the time, but love the look of winged eyeliner! When my August Birchbox showed up with this mini liquid eyeliner by Blinc, I couldn't wait to try it.

It was basically my first time using liquid eyeliner, and I was surprised by how easy it was! This eyeliner is very unique because all you need to remove it is a bit of warm water and pressure (i.e. fingertips)--it literally slides off and leaves no smudge or mess. Makes it super simple to clean up mistakes too. Creates the perfect liner to stand out behind your frames!

Urban Outfitters top, Juicy Couture shorts, Free People necklace, Warby Parker eyeglasses

New glasses finally making their debut, paired with classic stripes and some fun denim shorts. I have totally been drawn to this sweater the past few days and can't stop rewearing it...bummer, since it's just heavy enough to be a little too warm for the sun.

If you're an eyeliner gal, do you prefer pencil, gel, or liquid? Can't wait to order the full size of this one by Blinc!

P.S. If you noticed the new pink sidebar button, I'm now part of the Birchbox blogger network! I'm excited to review some of the products that are sent in my monthly beauty box. New to Birchbox? Check out the site or email me with questions!

NEWSFLASH!

Okay, so I can't hold this in any longer. Read on for craziness (intermixed with outfit photos, naturally).

For the next few months, I will be living in Minneapolis, Minnesota!

I've already considered/accepted the fact that I might be crazy, but I know it's the right thing for me to do right now. Although I already miss Seattle a zillion percent.

Both my sister and my best friend live out there, so it will be nice to be close to them again. I lived there for four years before I moved back to the west coast!

Getting butterflies just writing this! I hope you all with stick with me through this big transition and get ready to see more of Seattle at Christmas. Till then, I can't wait to continue blogging while showing you all more of Minneapolis!

I've spent the past year working, becoming a blogger, and creating my future plans, and somehow know it's time to try something new. But gaahhh. I still. Can't. Believe it. A little bit terrified, to be honest...

Free People tee, vintage GUESS shorts, Kensie sandals, Lucky Brand bag

simple summer faves

My aloe plant, which has been a sunburn savior

New Warby Parker frames

I have recently become obsessed with buying notebooks, thanks to my little sister

Favorite candle of all time!

Lemonade-hued sandals by Kensie 

Recently, I've been rediscovering my room. I notice things I had forgotten about, and they seem to be making me smile a second time. This candle was one of them! I haven't lit one in awhile, chai seems like a bit of an autumn smell. These sandals have gotten quite a bit of use this summer though. Lemon-lime yellow just seems to go with everything. 

P.S. Obsessed with my new Warby Parker frames. Obbsseesssseedddd.

pants please!

Some of us were just born pants girls. I am a daily and devout wearer of denim, and will always prefer a pair of jeans over a favorite skirt!

But I'm not a slacks girl, so what about the days where denim just won't do?

All ASOS

You can find cropped trouser styles like this super easily at places like H&M, Forever 21, and as pictured, ASOS. They are usually pretty inexpensive, between $20 and $40, so they are perfect for a small budget. Equal parts casual + chic!

For the more daring females, I encourage you with all my heart to go for a pair of PRINTED trousers like these stylish ladies shot for Elle UK.

Their layered neutral looks are perfect with a flash of texture from a pair of awesome pants. Topshop has a zillion amazing pairs, and I am loving the few pairs I found at Forever 21.

Top row Forever 21

Bottom row Topshop

So many girls I talk to prefer dresses and skirts, and I am not one of them! Time to get creative! ...And brave enough to wear some of those groovy printed pieces...

biggest fan

For awhile now, I've wanted to put up an all black and white post. Since this outfit was mainly muted tones I went for it, especially since it turned the shots I snapped of Ian McFeron Band into art!

Free People top, thrifted jacket, BDG jeans, Kensie sandals

My sister and I took a day trip to 5th Ave in Seattle to see one of our favorite bands! I promise not to go on and on and on and on about Ian's genius, but if you are a bluegrass/Americana/folk/blues fan, check them out! His hair was a lot shaggier than the last time I saw him :)

Pretty sure this is the quintessential "Chelsea" outfit...layered neutrals on top, dark on bottom, and little bits of bohemian jewelry. My outfits must be the easiest in the world to replicate...just include lots of grey, a great pair of skinnies, and probably a floppy hat. And iced coffee, which I would definitely call my favorite accessory this summer!

LOTS of crazy things happening this upcoming week! Can't wait to share with you all :)

rachel comey

Obbbsessseddd.

All Rachel Comey

This is the third and last in the "Talented Rachels" mini-series I've been doing on Wednesdays! You can read up on Rachel Pally and Rachel Roy, but today the focus is on Rachel Comey! Most know her as an excellent footwear designer, but she actually started in 2001 with a menswear line.

I thought it was so awesome to find out that she branched into womenswear when stylish New York ladies began buying the smaller sizes of her menswear pieces!

Rachel Comey blouse and shoes, Topshop trousers, Banana Republic bag, Forever 21 bangle, Essie nail color

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This neutral outfit works perfectly with bright spots of color in the bracelet, bag, and nail color. Definitely a breezy summer look for a picnic in the park, as long as the sun is shining as brightly as this convertible clutch by Banana Republic!

little black dress

Check out the results of a recent styling job I took on!

Dress courtesy of Karen Kane, Nine West shoes

You may not recognize this lovely lady, but I know you all can recognize great style when you see it! I styled this Karen Kane piece for a street style-type post featuring natural beauty Wanda. The neutral shoes and perfect black dress seemed like a match made in heaven, especially with such adorable details as draped sleeves and a notch-neck top.

Remember when I last collaborated with Karen Kane? In that same catalog I styled my own items from, I saw this dress and absolutely fell in love with the style of this classic black piece. I knew I had to feature it in a blog post!

Karen Kane recently launched a new website, so be sure to check out some of their awesome new looks. Here are just a few of my (neutral-obsessed, always) faves!

All Karen Kane

The perfect color palette for upcoming autumn...oops. Did I really just say autumn?

layering leather

Free People knit and bag, MINKPINK shorts c/o Bollare, Yosi Samra flats, vintage scarf

I was soooo excited to get a box full of MINKPINK goodies last week. They are one of my favorite brands! It was love at first sight with these faux leather shorts. Paired with my favorite pullover and a vintage pashmina, they were perfect for thrifting with my sister on a breezy summer day!

This weekend I have plans to meet up with a fellow blogger, since we've had to reschedule for what seems like weeks! Something unexpected always seems to come up... sort of like the month of August. It completely snuck up on me and feels as though it's already zooming by!

And the knotted bracelet tied on my wrist? It was randomly gifted to me by TOMS Shoes. Perhaps because I now own fifteen pairs of their awesome shoes. Proudly.

rachel roy

Who knew there were so many fashionable women named Rachel who made it in the fashion world? Today's feature is on pretty Rachel Roy and her fabulous work.

All Rachel Roy

Her simple, elegant, and fun designs have won over the hearts of thousands of women across the world. In 2007 she was inducted into the Council of Fashion Designers of America, a huge honor! This lady should honestly be a model herself, she is a stunner.

Each piece in her collection is so easy to style whether it's an afternoon at the market, an early morning meeting or a glitzy dinner out on the weekend.

Rachel Roy midi skirt, Topshop blouse, Stuart Weitzman espadrilles, Hobo International bag, Sabine Cabachon bangle

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You all know I dress for comfort! This look is perfect for a day out with friends. You can browse the selection at RachelRoy.com, or some fave footwear selections in this post on Organized Mess.

Here is the link for the first post on Rachel Pally!

beauty blogging

Some of you may be familiar with Birchbox, a subscription service which sends you a box full of designer beauty samples every month. I received my first one in May and am absolutely in love! I combined a few favorite samples I've received... 

1. Xen-Tan Premium Sunless Tan: Smells like sugar, and the tone is perrrrfectttt.

2. Kerastase Bain Volumactive Volumizing Shampoo: Regular use will dry out your hair, but I use this once a week when my hair needs a little extra bounce!

3. Laura Geller Baked Blush-n-Brighten: This blush is baked, so it isn't powdery and doesn't flake off in summer heat!

4. Zoya 'Touch' Polish in Shay: This gorgeous shade is as close to nude nails as I will ever be! This is the color I was wearing in my last post.

5. AHAVA Mineral Hand Cream: Every AHAVA product I've ever tried smells awesome. This is the perfect daily hand lotion I go for over and over.

There are so many perks to Birchbox, such as a points reward system and surprise discount codes, and the fact that all of your new products can fit in your carry-on at the airport!

I've purchased full-sizes of two of my favorite products, which have now made the daily routine status.

I've been shopping for new skin care products for awhile, and now use Philosophy's Purity One-step Facial Cleanser and Kiehl's Ultra Facial Oil-Free Lotion! Speaking of skin care, I've never used foundation but I'm convinced this was designed for my face:

I warned you guys I had expensive taste. Chanel's Vitalumiere Aqua Ultra-Light Skin Perfecting Makeup gives the best glow and silky soft texture to my face. The ultra-light formula is perfect for my still-teenaged skin. This must-have tool, an Eco-Tools Retractable Kabuki Brush, is the perfect finishing touch with a light powder.

So those are my fave beauty products right now! What are your newest swear-by products?