Grandpa's Shoes

My everyday shoe for the past two months can be easily confused as my grandpa's shoes. You can always go to client presentations with Vans on, sometimes you have to look presentable. Grown up, even. Why not index way older then? I got them in one of J. Crews 25% off bonanzas, so when there is another promo I suggest snatching these up because the quality is real nice. Just get them one full size smaller though as they run real long. These are pretty similar, you know, if you wan't me to get a commission or whatever.

In Which Tiny Sweaters, aka Crop Tops, Are Appropriate for Work

The thing about the 90s is that everyone was showing their belly just a little bit. The Gwenyth Paltrows and the Winona Ryders thrived as stylish celebrities with their nonchalant attitude and their tiny tops skimming their flat bellies. It's definitely a little showy, isn't it? The whole, look-at-my-abs aspect of it has kept me just a little bit shy growing up. Now, well into my late 20's I have a slightly more nonchalant attitude myself. Why hide and be shy now only to regret it later? Well, despite the fact that I work in a professional setting, I have pretty much resolved to try new things and make sartorial mistake because no matter how hard you try, in 15 years all the photos of you now are going to be a little bit dated-- a mix of "I can't believe I wore that and thought I was cool" and warm nostalgia because at least you tried it. Would I wear this to work? I certainly could. Let's just test drive it a couple more times on the weekend before busting this out in front of clients, though. Preferably In the woods.

ANTHROPOLOGIE sunnies / J. CREW necklace / J. CREW No. 2 Pencil Skirt / ZARA heels / ANTHROPOLOGIE sweater

Do you want to try it? Start with a No. 2 Pencil:

Civil Twilight

 Wearing: J. Crew black watch plaid top, Repossi ring, Miu Miu sunglasses, patent leather loafers, J Brand jeans, vintage watch

Napa Photo Diary

Wearing: J. Crew black watch plaid top, Repossi ring, Miu Miu sunglasses, patent leather loafers, J Brand jeans, vintage watch

I think technically this is Sonoma, not Napa as advertised (Cristina, the best host and event coordinator friend will have to verify). I guess there is a fuzzy recollection of us on our way to Napa proper for our first wine tasting appointment when there was a nasty accident on the main route, causing us to think on our feet (our brains were inundated in mimosas) and detour over to Jacuzzi wineries. We bought some bottles of wine, sat outside in the pretty warm sun and frolicked about the vines — with a camera, of course.

Photos by Nick Smith

Long Jacket Theory: Do you even need pants?

I think not. Tights is what we'll need for this (should the weather get chilly or your legs are less than smooth). Love the Paul & Joe Sister jacket. It's a classic double-breasted shape, slightly exaggerated, in a beautiful gem colored green. It's just subtle enough to make black look a little too boring. The rest of the accessories are no brainers to me: The Lulu Frost for J. Crew earrings and the Stubbs & Wootten loafers have been on my wish list for months! Make sure you check out that Carven dress. The back of it is to die for!

1] Paul & Joe Sister jacket, 2] Lulu Frost for J. Crew earrings , 3] Selima Sun for J. Crew sunglasses, 4] Stubbs & Wootten loafers, 5] Carven dress

Beautiful Day for an SF Giants Win

Photos by Nick Smith

Besides the obvious Colonel Sanders sartorial inspiration, this outfit is pretty much my excuse for posting about the San Francisco Giants. (Notice the hat). I also have to say I am quite the fan of J. Crew's Minnie pants in wool. It's literally the most perfectly tailored pant that is just so effortless. It reminds me so much of Audrey Hepburn's classic cropped pants, and the fit can make a t-shirt look good. If you only buy one thing this week, I would make it that. Oh, go Giants!

Girl Power Suit

Photos by Nick Smith

Did you see the Spice Girls perform last night at the London Olypmic Closing Ceremony?! I sure did. It was the minute or so of performances that I was looking forward to, and honestly, the only reason I tuned into the three hour international love fest. They took the stage and I was giddy. I suddenly was filled with the childhood exuberance for all things Spice Girls, girl power, and pink. Looking back at my teeny bopper girl group love for them reminded me of their catchy songs about love and positivity and I got irritatingly nostalgic for the days when the most important thing to do was go to the supermarket with to find out if their newest batch of Bazooka bubble gums have the latest Spice World temporary tattoos. Those were definitely simpler times. The way I see it, this J. Crew bubble gum pink suit is my homage to those girly days gone by, where me talking about why Posh was so cool and why Baby Spice was such the obvious favorite is all I did for an entire summer. While I still subscribe to the screaming "Girl power!" anthem, these days I let my clothes do all the talking on that front.

Shop it:

The Fine China

A little dressy and a little not given the chambray shirt. Perfect for weekend dress up duties with semi-casual dress codes. Can I just mention that the adorable Mulberry Teddy bag is on sale? It's very tempting since it's a) a chain bag, and b) contains quirky metal hardware, two things I love in a bag. What do you think?

Shop it: Mulberry beige mini Teddy bag  Illesteva Frieda round sunglasses
Marc by Marc Jacobs chambray shirt  Repetto ballet flats  J. Crew No. 2 Pencil skirt

Getaway Essentials from Moda Operandi and J. Crew

Behold everything you'll ever need for weekend getaways in the sun, or far away summer vacations. Moda Operandi and J. Crew have the most unique, chic, and completely loveable items you'll need. From swimsuits to sandals,  accessories and eyewear, to off-duty staples. Shop them below!

(From the top to bottom)

Karen Walker Harvest sunglasses

Del Toro Wingtip brogue

Caroline Baggi Elena braided leather necklaces

 Kiehls 50+SPF sunblock

Cutler and Gross round sunglasses

J. Crew deck stripe board shorts

J. Crew crystal starfish ring

J. Crew pyramid stretch bracelet

Foundwell: Rolex Submariner

Bianca Pratt small Figa bracelet

Sensi Studio Dumont Tromp L'Oeil hat

J. Crew crystal starfish earrings

J. Crew classic Jenna bracelet

Peter Som Zebra bandaeu bikini 

Vanities oxford striped skull bracelet

Bernardo Vintage Couture leather ribbon tie sandals

VBH Brera Weekend bag

This list ain't no joke. I don't think I"ll be able to avoid getting the Peter Som Zebra print bandeau bikini. Don't forget your sunblock!

The Essentials: A Shift Dress, A Well Fitted Bra, and Patent Leather Loafers in a Romantic Blush.

j.crew, barneys.com

It doesn't get any more comfortable and chic than a shift dress. You can layer it up or down, with collars, or long sleeves, or tights or what-ever. This one by Mason by Michelle Mason has a touch of luxury with the addition of black leather around the neckline, giving it a modern edge. Keep it bright by pairing it with J. Crew patent leather loafers in a blush color, and keep it quirky by layering trouser socks in a light plum color.

Why the VPL bra? Because a) it's gorgeous, b) the fit is comfortable and c) you walk a little different when the undergarments are as fantastic looking as you look on the outside.

Final touch? A delicate circle diamond ring by Jennifer Meyer. Honestly, this woman makes delicate rings for reasonable prices. When you're talking about diamonds, that is.

Besides The Impracticality Of Wearing a Leather T-Shirt for Summer, I'm Liking The Photograph and Styling For It On J. Crew's Collection Site