Style Territories

This summer has marked venturing into new style territories for me.

1. The hair donut is my summer hair savior. Bangs and long hair don't mix well in the summer... so I had to find a way to get my hair off my neck without stabbing someone out of frustration.

2. Crop tops. I'll be honest that I was afraid of them since I'm not a fan of showing too much skin if I'm not on the beach. But, after finding one that was the perfect length - I'm hooked. Since I'm a tucked in shirt offender, crop tops allow me to wear skirts w/o the tucking. Bingo.

And speaking of disgustingly hot weather, Sunday, my Brit and I headed to Lobsterfest at Bradley Beach for some boardwalk fun and of course, lobster. Legit sweat box at the beach. This would explain why I put up $10 to buy a 32 ounce, stainless steel mug from Wild Bill's Olde Fashioned Soda Pop at the festival - with unlimited refills for the day. 

Of course, no trip to a lobster fest is complete without lobster. 

This would be a Lobster Dog - lobster macaroni and cheese piled on top of a hot dog.

And yes, it was so indulgently good.

Little excursions like these are why I love New Jersey. Only 4 more days till next weekend!

What I'm Wearing:

Black Crop Top - Forever 21 / Flower Print Skirt - Forever 21 

 Kristen Satchel - Coach / Gladiator Sandals  - Target (uber old) / Round Sunglasses - Urban Outfitters / Om Bracelet & King's Crown Bracelet - Alex and Ani

Sea Of Jewels

Some people collect souvenirs as memories. Me? Jewelry is my fashionable symbol of a time and place I can revisit over and over.

My weakness for shiny baubles with a huge punch is no secret. Once I set eyes on Sorrelli's baubles, I was hooked. Their chic and sparkling jewelry reminds me of my grandmother's jewelry box, but with a modern twist. Making a statement in this jewelry is effortless - the sparkle does all the work! Just think of it as wearable memories... 

My grandmother was my very own Elizabeth Taylor. Her collection of earrings, rings for every finger in emeralds and diamonds, and necklaces with oversized faux pearls and glimmering beads was exquisite.

I didn't realize it when I was young, but her jewels, which were passed on to me, really are wearable memories. Most are simple memories of laughing and her smile... and some are of times when we'd open every box, and lay out her jewelry, turning her dresser into a sea of jewels. To be able to look at my hand and carry those times with me today is irreplaceable.

Outfit:

Elegant Crystal Fan Necklace - c/o Sorrelli

Tessellation Cuff Bracelet - c/o Sorrelli

Prank Collar Mint Green Top - Lulus.com

Polka Dot High Low Skirt - Forever 21

Platform Mary Janes - Forever 21

Kristen Satchel - Coach

Rings - my own

Donning a faceted Swarovski Elements crystal necklace with a classic feel and a chunky silver cuff bracelet from the MiMi EOS Collection is my homage to my grandmother - a little bit of her glitz and a dash of my boldness.

Put Me In Coach

Day 8 - 30-Day No Shopping Challenge

Eight days have passed and I haven't shopped yet! I was afraid the spare time on the weekend would encourage  me to take a trip downtown to Westfield, NJ,  but with St. Patty's, I had a much needed distraction.

Besides, remember I mentioned buying something I'd had my eye on for some time? Well, I bought my first Coach bag!

Outfit:

Fuchsia Sheer Dot Bow Blouse - Forever 21

Purple BGD Skinny Jeans - Urban Outfitters

Audition Smoker's Flats - Bakers

Kristen Satchel - Coach

Rhinestone Braided Bracelet - Henri Bendel

Braided Friendship Bracelet - Madewell

Black Leather Watch - similar style here

For months now, I've been going back and forth about making an investment in a quality handbag - and Coach came to mind. I'm usually very content with buying handbags anywhere, but for me, I wanted to reward myself for all the work I've been putting in, both as far as my job and personal life is concerned. Sometimes, you just have to treat yourself... and not feel guilty about it! 

Oh, and the shoes were part of my "need for shoes" shopping fit about two weeks ago.

Although I'd been eyeing up the re-designed Willis, when I came across Kristen, I knew we'd be fast friends. It fits everything I need on a daily basis. Plus, it doesn't weigh me down when I throw in a few extras. Having the option to ditch the shoulder strap is nice, too. 

Totally have a girl crush on Kristen. Hopefully, my husband won't be too jealous.