robbi and nikki

For several years, designer Robert Rodriguez has been on my list of top faves. I don't know why it's taken this long for me to discover Robbi and Nikki, a line that puts a "youthful" (and more affordable!) twist on his classic pieces.

It's no lie that I'm already excited for summer, and every piece here is something I can see myself in as the weather gets warmer. 

My discovery of Robbi and Nikki only heightens my admiration for Robert Rodriguez. If only I could live in his pieces all year long!

Cynthia Vincent sandals, Robert Rodriguez tank, Robert Rodriguez cropped pants, Melie Bianco bag, Maya Brenner's 'Day To Night' bracelet

My favorite designers are always changing, but I'm preeeetty Robert Rodriguez will always be in my top ten. Especially now that I've discovered Robbi and Nikki! Be sure to check out his third line, Black Label, as well.

weekend wishes

Sometimes, I fall enough in love with a piece of clothing that my jaw actually drops in amazement. It's been happening  lot lately, so I decided to take advantage of this weekend post to let anyone who stumbles upon my blog have a good swoon.

The 'Marion' bag by Alexander Wang

It's been awhile since I found a classic bag that I feel I absolutely must own. If a bag could have my heart, the Marion would be the one to take it. The rose gold hardware against the rich toffee color is just about the best thing in life.

The perfect leather jacket from AllSaints

It's no secret that I want a leather jacket. I also want enough money to be able to afford a leather jacket, because I'm picky when it comes to the style. I want something that already looks broken in with just enough detailing to be unique--the braided edging on this one is perfection.

And finally, the prettiest of pretty dresses from ShopRuche. Asymmetric lengths have been one of my favorite details for awhile now, and I'm convinced you can never go wrong with a pretty pink champagne color.

ShopRuche's 'Fairmont Formata' dress

These are the kinds of pictures that I leave open for weeks on my computer...just to look at whenever I need to think happy thoughts.

lady like

We all have our lazy days. Today is mine. I threw on a cozy sweater when I saw the snow outside and put my hair up for lack of a better idea. As a result , I've spent hours shopping for prim and proper pieces that are opposite of what I'm wearing today.

 Topshop tank, Meinto skirt, Bloch flats, H&M blazer, Fossil bag, YSL charm bracelet

With spring fever already here, I'm already thinking about short skirts and bright colors. The contrast sets the perfect tone for my favorite neutral nail colors.

Sweetheart by OPI, Shay by Zoya, Lady Like by Essie

This week marks my last post as guest blogger on Meinto. Be sure to check it out on Friday!

bye bye bloomie's

Some of you know I moved to Minneapolis last September, home of the Mall of America!  Bloomingdale's is one of Mall of America's four anchor stores, and since we don't have Bloomingdale's in Seattle, I was excited to make it a stop on my regular mall rounds.

Unfortunately, Bloomingdale's recently announced that the Mall of America location is closing. It is quite the tragedy for devoted designer-aholics and Bloomie's admirable selection will be missed. In loving memory, I've pieced together a few of my favorites from their new arrivals.

Marc by Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein

Juicy Couture, Vince Camuto

And okay, in the grand scheme of things, Bloomingdale's closing isn't the worst thing ever. I will still be religiously browsing their website, but I definitely did not get to shop there as much as I wanted to during my time here in the Twin Cities!

Closing clearance anyone?

Splendid ($68), Patterson J. Kincaid ($52), Rag & Bone ($50), Juicy Couture ($124)

a brighter outlook

 H&M coat, scarf, and boots, Levi's denim leggings, Target socks

I. Need. New. Jeans. Looking at these photos makes me want to burst into tears, as the knees of my favorite 535s are officially wearing out. In happier news, we got a bit of snow this morning which is brightening my whole world. I sat in a coffee shop with a friend today for over three hours, which is just the way I wanted to spend my Friday morning.

We've been so deprived of snow that I've barely had a chance to take my new boots out for a spin. I love them layered up with cozy socks. They pretty much define rugged chic for me, which is a look I will always love. 

Today is Friday, which means my THIRD GUEST POST is up on Meinto.com! Please go take a look and tell me what you think--I am so excited to be blogging for them during January and can't believe next week will be my last post!

new to me

Whenever I browse Spool No. 72, one question always comes to mind. How can sooo muuuch prettiness be in one small boutique?

New arrivals

I love everything about their site from the detail on the clothing to the way they photograph their products.

As the perfect accent to these gorgeous neutral pieces, my new favorite nail color is green. Not just any green, but it must be the perfect shade with the perfect tones and nothing too grassy or neon. 

OPI, Essie, Butter London, Deborah Lippmann

So many delicious shades that add the perfect amount of edge to a look without going for a full-out dark like black. Drool-worthy. My nail lacquer wish list just got four items longer. 

wrong winter

I've met a few other Washington transplants since moving to Minneapolis, and all of us are in agreement--this is the weirdest winter ever! A sudden few inches of snow showed up in Washington, and the little dusting that we had here is quickly melting away. I haven't had my snow fix yet this year, so now I'm especially wishing to be back home enjoying the winter weather.

Theyskens' Theory boots, Barney's gloves, T by Alexander Wang sweater, Joie sweater, CO-OP Barney's bomber, Opening Ceremony hat, CO-OP Barney's boots

Barney's New York never ceases to amaze me...even the sale selection would complete all my wardrobe needs for a few snowy days in Seattle.

While we're on the subject of snow and Seattle, check out one of my favorite Seattle fashion bloggers! Carolyn came to our summer blogger meet-up and quickly became one of my favorite reads. I love this gorgeous shot she snapped, taking advantage of the weather.

Be sure to check out her blog! Also, let me know if your weather is cooperating lately...

flannel friday

This title has nothing to do with the following photos and everything to do with what I'm wearing today. The photos? Just a few of my favorite things.

Honeysuckle honeydew lip balm...whoa, addicted!

Mittens for today's ten-degree weather

The top four pieces in my wardrobe lately--gorgeous knits!

New favorite flats in a messy room

Love this shimmery dry-oil from December's Birchbox!

Be sure to check out my second guest post on Meinto! I know lots of bloggers' New Year's resolutions include updating their wardrobe or trying out new trends...read today's guest post to find out one of mine!

January joys

I haven't been this excited about a catalog from Free People in awhile. I literally just sat down to the computer after finding the catalog in my mailbox, and I definitely have a few favorite shots.

The catalogue's coast-to-coast theme begins in sunny California featuring model Jessica Hart in a picture-perfect patchwork look with a just-grungy-enough bohemian tee. The one piece I must must must own from the January book? The following fringe blazer. I cannot even speak about it! Anyone have a spare $1,200 to lend me? There are just way too many looks this jacket could complete.

Set in New York City, the second half of the catalogue features Karlie Kloss, who has the perfect face and figure for some jaw-dropping photos. I definitely agree with our favorite coast-to-coast blogger; I felt like I was flipping through a scrapbook of Nat's life!

I have a feeling I'm going to be reading through this catalogue for several months to come. So. Much. Perfection.

life is harder in heels

I recently shared that I'm not a heels girl. As much as I love how they look, I can't really bring myself to wear them since I hate being uncomfortable in what I wear! I can gasp in awe at the sight of a killer pair of wedges, yet cringe at the thought of putting them on my feet. Everyone knows confidence is key for your daily wardrobe, but heels just don't do it for me.

However, that doesn't stop me from including the best pairs in blog posts for your enjoyment. I can always live vicariously through other bloggers sporting amazing heels!

AllSaints sweater, Mother jeans, Modcloth wedges, Steve Madden handbag, Shamballa bracelet, Forever 21 ring

A pair like this would be more up my alley. An oxford-style, could-be flat with juuuust enough of a heel...but I'm not quite convinced these would meet my insanely high comfort standards. Maybe they offer classes for how to walk in these things?

the local tourist

Steve & Barry's thrifted jacket, tee, Volcom corduroy leggings, Yosi Samra flats, SAS handbag

I miss Seattle so much I could practically write a song about it. I had so much fun snapping photos of my usual favorite places while out for coffee, even though I felt like a tourist with my huge camera. I even loved how the moving shot of the Space Needle from the freeway turned out!

My favorite denim jacket brought out a bit of the grunge in me (true to Seattle history). I love what Jonathon Poneman of Sub Pop Records said about grunge clothing: "It's cheap, durable, and kind of timeless. It runs against the grain of the flashy aesthetic that existed in the 80s." Pretty much described my denim jacket in that sentence. A stunner leather bag doesn't hurt either!

And here's a big guess what; I am sooooooo excited to kick off 2012 as Meinto's January Guest Blogger! Based in Miami, Meinto is an awesome website that collectively sells stock from small, local boutiques in Florida. I'm so honored that they contacted me about guest blogging, and I hope you guys get a chance to check out all of my posts throughout the month! You can read them here!

thistle & clover

Thistle & Clover is a gorgeous little boutique in New York carrying dozens of unique designers such as 81 Poppies, Mociun, and Kordal. They carry a few items in their online shop, such as these perfectly detailed pieces I would love to have in my wardrobe.

Cardigan, Joie, Trovata

If you are in town, be sure to stop by a trunk show for a lovely night of fashion and food. The founders of the shop, Camilla and Rand, met in Scotland while they were both in school. I love the vision that they share to come up with Thistle & Clover!

 I love the look of their boutique and can't wait to visit someday when I'm in New York. Till then, I'll just continue drooling at their stock and checking their adorable blog!

new year

Steve Madden fringe bag, Lucky Brand earrings, Cynthia Vincent wedges

Matthew Williamson jacket, BCBG Max Azria pumps, 3.1 Phillip Lim bag

I am officially embracing the new year--blue leather, tribal sandals and all. This morning I've been preoccupied with removing the ornaments from the Christmas tree and packing to head back to Minnesota. However, shopping took top priority once I realized the new stock in all my favorite boutiques!

It's almost hard to believe I'll be heading back to Minneapolis today, which only has a few inches of snow on the ground. I had such a great Christmas, and can't believe it's already over. Here are a few shots I snapped during the season. I hope you all are having a fantastic 2012!