spots & stripes

I’ve finally broken my spending freeze and this spotted tee was my very first purchase. To be honest, I’m normally not a t-shirt kind of girl, so the fact that I deemed this tee worthy enough to break a 3 month long no-spending spree is symbolic of just how much I love it.

I’ve been hoping to infuse a bit more casual into my wardrobe. I find that I'm always s focused on buying all the nice things and then realize I don’t own the basics. But I feel like this tee creates a casual look without making me feel like a slob. It definitely worked out perfectly for a casual morning of brunching and shopping.

Spotted Tee // White Jeans // Booties // Sunnies

Can’t wait to see how versatile this will be with styling it for spring and summer weather.

feeling festive

Merry Christmas Eve! 

buying all the sweaters: november budget

Sharing this clothing budget a little late thanks to being in Mexico over Thanksgiving. Also, thanks to putting in 60 hour weeks with grad school. Thankfully, things are winding down and back to a somewhat normal schedule now, which gives me a little more free time to share about important things, like clothes. With the cooler weather surfacing, I realized that I had a huge gap in my closet...sweaters. Aside from a few obnoxious holidays ones, I had almost none. So November was a month of buying all the sweaters.

a little bit of irony

A Zebra and Her Stripes

Lately, my life has involved a whole lot of transitions. Transitioning back to grad school after time away. Transitioning into once again being in a long distance marriage. It feels like I'm constantly transforming, adjusting, altering my stripes to fit the situation. 

Oh Autumn!

Oh Autumn! You are flying right by and coming to an end. Your leaves were once the brightest hues of crimson and gold, but now they're withering away into dull muted tones. 

Knitted Sweater Dress

reminiscing

Today was not the best day, actually this whole week is kind of a wash and it's only Tuesday. Early mornings followed by late nights and still everything won't get done. And somehow I managed to get through the whole day without realizing my shirt was on inside out. Thank goodness I had a white coat on top. So here's to reminiscing about that time just over a week ago when I was actually put together. 

Dress // Tights // Booties // Hat-Souvenir

coastal style

We ended up in Cape Ann once again and I don't think anyone could blame us. And I think you can guess that I appreciated the excuse to dress in traditional new englander coastal style. 

Shop this Look 

|| SunHat: Souvenir from Toronto [loving this cute vineyard vines derby version]|| 

|| Blouse: Anthropologie || Jeans: Articles of Society || Sandals: Sam Edelman ||

Only on the coast can you pull this off! 

Ikat + Pink

I'm in the process of moving for grad school. On top of multiple trips to Target and Home Depot, I've made several stops through my favorite antique spot to help find things for my new place. And this romper has been my go to for running errands in these hot summer days down South.

 I feel like it took forever for me to find a romper that flattered my body type and now I'm wearing it nonstop. I love this ikat pattern because it's modern and eye-catching, but still neutral. Plus, the v-neck and shorts length are just the right amount of conservative. You can pretty much find me in this romper every weekend. 

Spring Shift

After seeing this dress on adorable Liz, I had to pick up this inexpensive linen shift. Depending on the accessories, this dress is perfect for just about everything…it's one of those comfy toss on dresses that you constantly reach for. Liz and I are shorties, so we both went with petite sizing. Other than that, our body types are completely different. It's always nice to see how the same piece works for different bodies, see how Liz wore it here. 

 old navy linen blend shift dress//j crew factory always cardigan//

j crew pearls [save vs. splurge]//lucky brand emmie flats

Between how much I love this linen dress and the fact that Old Navy is currently hosting a 30% sale, I will also be picking up this version of of dress in navy this weekend. Please tell me, I'm not the only person who buys variations of the exact same thing in multiple colors? 

Review: Madewell Zip Transport Tote

Have you ever had the perfect bag? It's the one you reach for more than anything else you own. It doesn't matter if you've had it for 3 days or 3 years, the texture and color are just as vibrant as the day you brought it home. And you feel invincible with it. That's the Madewell Zip Transport Tote. 

After years of constant use, my J Crew tote was beginning to show its wear and needed a replacement. The obvious choice was to purchase the Madewell Transport Tote because it's similar in style and design to my J Crew Downing Tote. It was kind of a no brainer really. But when I saw the Madewell Transport Tote in store, my heart sank. I had seen tons of photos of the original transport tote, but in person, I wasn't as impressed. It felt like I would always be comparing the two bags and feeling dissatisfied. I was on my way out of the store when I spotted the Madewell ZIP Transport Tote. Now, that's a handbag! 

How does it Compare? The Zip Transport vs. The Original Transport

I'm sure you're wondering how the zip version differs from the original transport tote. Well obviously, there's a zipper and the added privacy is a major perk. Also, the interior of the zip version is lined whereas the original has exposed leather. And while the Madewell website has the same color listings for both bags, I swear that the leather on the Zip Transport is richer and thicker in texture. In fact, that's what made me gravitate to the zip tote over the original.    

There is also a $20 price difference with the zip version being a little more expensive. But then again, I scooped mine up during a major sale, so the price difference is relative. 

Best Features? 
The best part about this tote is definitely the quality of the leather. It's soft and natural texture is the kind of material that just gets better with age. And it's beyond durable. I've already spilled on it, but you can't even tell because it's Jasmine Proof. Love this bag! I'm also a fan of the fact that the bag is fully lined, with interior pockets on both sides for storage. 

Another favorite feature is the straps. It has the traditional double straps {though shorter than the original}, but there's also a long adjustable strap, allowing the bag to be used as a crossbody. Being a shortie{5'2'}, I really appreciate having the ability to adjust things to suit my height. And as an added bonus…the shoulder band has a widened portion that gives extra comfort. They really thought of everything. 

[iPhone Case//Lipstick//Sunnies]

Where to Take It? 
This tote has quickly become my everyday bag. It's large enough to hold a laptop and tablet=perfect for school or work. And the hands-free crossbody strap is essential for running errands. But I'm most excited to use this for traveling. It will be the perfect carry-on tote and function well as a day bag for exploring new cities. Basically it will go everywhere. 

[OOTD details-Mama's got a brand new Bag] 

What's not to Love? 
In order to give a fully impartial review, I had every intention of being completely honest about the bag's flaws. But I'm having trouble finding any. In fact, I'm considering purchasing the bag in black as well. I will say that the leather on the handles isn't treated on both sides. This can be a little annoying with making sure you have the handles facing outwards, but then again the untreated leather on the inside helps the bag to stay in place on your shoulder. So is that a flaw or an ingenious method of making the bag more wearable? 
PIN IT

All in all, the genuine leather and gold hardware make this bag a classic beauty. Add in the perfect design, and the zip transport tote is definitely taking things up a notch.

linking up with thepleatedpoppy// 

Mama's Got a Brand New Bag

This weekend was glorious! The sun managed to come out and it was finally warm enough to wear a dress. But I'm not here to talk about the amazing dress. Because when it comes down to it, we all know that it's really about the bag! 

I've been eyeing this bag for a while, but holding back. You see, neutrals and I haven't always gotten along well. And while investing in an everyday bag is one the best things anyone can do for their wardrobe, I tend to gravitate towards handbags that are flashy, trendy, and preferably pink. But there's something to be said about having a bag that literally goes with everything. 

Old Navy Dress on sale//J Crew Factory Bracelet on sale//

Sam Edelman Katarina Wedges + a fancy splurge//

best bag EVER aka the Madewell Zip Transport Tote//

Now that I've owned this beauty for a few weeks AND have realized how life-changing it is, I'll be sharing a full review tomorrow. So...

untill then! 

things are looking a little bleak

bleak-adj. cold and piercing; without hope or encouragement 

This is really how I'm feeling about this Spring season so far. We've had snow, then ice, then rain, then snow again. Add in a little hail and a lot more rain and you've got a true New England Spring. Every time we get a glimpse of warm weather, it's thwarted by an onslaught of more cold. So for now, I'm still dressing in layers. 

Target Polka Dot Cardigan-old||Anthropologie Lace Blouse||
 Ann Taylor Leather Coated Jeans

Land's End Luxe Wool Coat {similar on sale}|| Express Scarf||

J Crew Downing Tote||Clarks Boots||

here we go again...

I knew it was going to flurry this weekend, but I certainly wasn't expecting to wake up in a winter wonderland. It is April after all. And just two days ago, we had perfect 70 degree weather. But now, everything is blanketed in snow. I was planning to start packing up my winter gear this weekend, but I think I better hold off. Here we go again with this crazy weather. 

Embroidered Tee {40% off with code ticktock}// White Denim //

 Pearl Cuff // Pom Beanie // Boots 

Thankfully this morning involved a hot breakfast, thanks to brunch at our favorite spot. I'm spending the rest of the day, warming up with lots of hot coffee and {hopefully} getting work done. 

Happy Sunday 

linking up with thepleatedpoppy//