New York: leisure walks

Couple of weeks ago, BF and I headed out to the East Coast and enjoyed a non-work vacation.  Just kidding, there was still work involved via remote access, but the convention that brought us out there was no longer on the agenda.  I've been here a few times before, so I wasn't quite sure what we'd do while we waited for our friend to get off work.  We started by the World Trade Center, and just kept walking West toward the Hudson, and along the water.  We saw all the visitors anxiously awaiting their turn on the ferry to visit the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island by Battery Park.  We stumbled on a community garden filled with leafy greens and little tomatoes, and lots of other vegetables I couldn't quickly identify.

We kept walking until we happened to cross paths with a bar, we weren't going to pass without a fight.  Think we won.  It's 5pm somewhere right?  So we had our first vacation drinks with an awesome view of Brooklyn.

After a couple of drinks at South Street Seaport, our friends were finally off work, so we met them up to enjoy some good company with a great view.  I was able to catch all three bridges from the view here (Williamsburg is a little difficult to see).

Three Bridges: Williamsburg . Manhattan . Brooklyn Bridge

[Outfit]

Top: H&M (old)

Skirt: Urban Outfitters (old)

Sandals: Zara Kids (old)

Sunnies: Kate Spade (similar)
Necklace: House of Harlow
Watch: Michael Kors

Thanks for joining me on my journey today!

<3,

Roe

Nordstrom Fall Anniversary Sale - Picks & Wishes

It's that time of the year, again! I combed through the Pre-Sale magazine.  Dog-eared top picks. Browsed the online pre-sale. And roamed the floors of Nordstrom until I was sure I went through every white curtain to check out the new selections for Fall.

There were sooo many things I wanted (what's new), but I tried to limit myself to items that were versatile, would be put to good use, and would not be duplicates from previous purchases.

1. ASICS Gel Kayano 20 - I'm in training right now, and have put hundreds of miles on my current running shoes, so a new pair was in order.  My training and running friends recommended these, all saying "it feels like you're running on clouds."  As soon as I saw it on sale, I picked up a pair.  Haven't received them in the mail yet, but will let you know if it's true.

2. Nike Free TR Connect 2 Training Shoes - New trainers for gym workouts were in order.  Who can resist this cute leopard print to add some oomph to your every day workout gear.

3. Louise et Cie 'Azalya' Mini Wedge Flat - Always in need of a new pair of black flats for work and every day life.  As soon as I tried these on I knew they were a keeper.  There's lots of cushion that will help keep your feet comfy after long days of walking.

3. Rebecca Minkoff 'Avery' Convertible Crossbody Bag - It was time to replace my black crossbody that was just a tad bit too small for my belongings, and had a rip in the lining that was swallowing my change and small items.  The black doesn't seem to be available anymore, and the 'Latte' isn't included in the sale, but here's a similar Rebecca Minkoff Mini 5 Zip black crossbody bag on the Anniversary Sale.

4. Topshop Textured Crop Top & Full Midi Skirt & Topshop Colorblocked Jacquard Shell & Skirt - I fell in love with the mint pattern online, and love the conservative, yet fresh look of the navy set.  I plan to mix and match these sets, and wear them as separates giving them plenty of use and life.

6. BP Slubbed Dolman Sleeve Sweater - Every Fall season needs a cozy comfy sweater.  This relaxing fit Dolman Sleeve sweater fit the bill for me.

Don't need, but look great!

1. kate spade new york 'halsey' 57mm polarized sunglasses

2. BaubleBar 'Drama' Stone Statement Necklace

3. kate spade new york 'metro grand' round leather strap watch

4. Wildfox 'La Femme Deluxe' 55mm Sunglasses

Still currently on the Wish List

1. Diane von Furstenberg 'Zarita' Lace Sheath Dress - I've been coveting this dress for years, but never pulled the trigger, as I had 2 white/cream lace dresses already in my closet.  But this is Plum, right?

2 &3. Over the Knee Boots:  Louise et Cie 'Andora' Over the Knee Boot or Stuart Weitzman 'Highway' Over the Knee Boot - I just bought 2 pairs of boots last year that are in great condition, and still have miles left in them, but they're not over the knee....

What have you bought or have on your wish list for this Fall?

Karlie Kloss X Warby Parker

What's greater than an eyewear company that lets you try on glasses at home for free and gives a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair bought?

A collaboration between Warby Parker and a graceful model, Karlie Kloss, that does not only give to someone in need of a pair of glasses, but also donates to Edible Schoolyard NYC.

That is a triple threat if you ask me: Functionality, Fashion, and Philanthropy.

Functionality: Helps people see more clearly and protect our eyes from the harsh UV rays. Need I say more?

Fashion:  Karlie Kloss has taken the staple aviator sunnies and updated them ever so slightly to give them more personality. They're classic and playful, and will add that finishing touch to any outfit.  I'm loving the Clara in the Heirloom Silver with Sepia wash lenses.  Can't wait until they're resting on my face this summer!

Philanthropy: I grew up with the idea that if you want to live in a better world, you need to do your part in making it that way.  Whether it's city clean ups, building houses, or making donations to help others.  Our future lies in our own hands, and in the hands of the children that will soon run this world. Edible Schoolyard partners with public schools location in low-income areas.  They take the initiative to build gardens and kitchen classrooms right on the school grounds.  This is an amazing way for children to learn skills and habits for organic eating.  The organization sets these children up for success in health and self-sufficiency.  I love that Karlie Kloss X Warby Parker are giving back to this organization that will greatly shape the future.

Well, what are you waiting for? Hurry and head over to Warby Parker, and add your favorite Karlie Kloss sunnies to your collection!

Walk This Way

BF and I have grown accustomed to taking walks sometime after we get home from work.  You turn 30 and you go on walks.  Where did the time go.

I oftentimes dread going for walks, because I feel like I'm wasting my time and I could be getting things checked off my to-do list.  Once we're out there, though, the feeling quickly passes.  Being able to slow down the pace and take time for ourselves has been great.  It's another hour in the day where we don't need to hustle.  We refocus ourselves, and talk about what we want our future to be like, instead of giving in to what our present state demands.

[outfit]

Top: Forever 21 (old)

Shorts: Zara (old, love these)

Shoes: Zara

Necklace: Forever 21 (gifted, old)

Bracelet: Gifted

Sunnies: Kate Spade (old, similar, adore these)

Don't forget to live a little for yourself.  Take a walk and enjoy at your own pace.

Thank you for stopping by!

<3 roe

Gold Blooded

To kick off NFL draft day here's a little something I wear to represent my team while staying true to my style.  

photo edited with A Beautiful Mess Action - Norma

I don't often take outfit pictures in advanced, but I dug this one out of the archives to kick off draft day.  Which would explain the dramatic change in hair length.  However, I can assure you, I'm sporting a similar outfit. 

[outfit]

Top: Gold Blooded by Adapt

Cardigan: H&M (old)

Skirt: H&M

Shoes: Halogen via Nordstrom

Necklace: Loft (similar and on sale)

Who is your team of choice?

<3 roe

highlight this

 

On any normal day, neon yellow pants would probably scare me away.  However, these particular pants were in my favorite Banana Republic Sloan cut pants, and they were on sale, so how could I not cop them?  Every time I wear these, BF shields his eyes and says "they're so BRIGHT!" Which only makes me laugh and love them more.  These have definitely become a quick favorite.  And don't forget about those floral heels.  The black and white ones definitely fit my wardrobe more, and I can see these getting plenty of wear this season.

[outfit]

Top: H&M (old) // Blazer: Zara (old) // Pants: Banana Republic // Shoes: Banana Republic // Necklace: JewelMint // Bracelet: Kate Spade // Purse: Vintage Chanel

Special thanks to my dear friend, Akiyo of My Dear Darling, for taking these photos for me!! 

<3 roe

DIY: Jeweled Headpiece

Some years, not too long ago, I was a habitual headband kind of girl.  I mean a different kind of headband everyday, could be mistaken for one of the Queen B lackeys, kind of headband girl (okay maybe not, but a girl can dream).  I was recently purging my accessories and found a stack of headbands that I didn't wear anymore.  Some with flowers, some with feathers, some with ribbons, or sequins.  They don't really fit my style anymore, but I love and miss the polished look it gave me.  I am super low maintenance, so the most time I'd want to spend time on my hair is 0-60 secs.  You'd be lucky if you saw it out of a bun, or presently, you'd be lucky if I ran my fingers through my hair.  Seeing those headbands inspired me to try a little more in finishing my look and inspired me to create a hairpiece that would fit my current style more.

I busted out my artsy craft box, and started plucking away at potential supplies to create this little monster. A little bit of grosgrain ribbon, some Swarovski crystals, scissors, needle, thread, YUP that's about it.

I measured where the center was marked out where I wanted the crystals to fall.  I threaded my needle and tied off the end.  Note: thread your needle so that you have to strands, instead of one.  I started at one end and zig zagged my way down to the other end, and tied the thread off on the back side.

To finish the ends off, I folded over the ends and sewed it down.

You might worry about the headband slipping off.  I used grosgrain ribbon so there's a little more friction, but you can also grab some bobby pins and secure it towards the side and back.  I love things that can do double duty, so was ecstatic when I realized I could tie this around my neck to make a simple necklace.

Here are some other great versions for DIY headbands:

2 Easy Headbands by Love Meagan
Double Strand Lace Headband by McLaughlin Designs
Feather Headband by Fashionrolla
Floral Studded Headband by Style Noted
Sparkle Headbands by Flax and Twine

Hope you enjoyed this DIY piece!

<3 roe

Floral Frenzy

1. Jeffrey Campbell pointed toe flat 2. Vans floral print sneaker 3. GAP navy flats 4. Steve Madden high heel sandals 5. Banana Republic Ninah pumps 6. GUESS floral pumps 

Spring is obviously here, and these floral beauties are overtaking my computer.  so many options, from flats, sneaks, sandals, and pumps.

I just bought the BR Ninah pumps today with the BR 40% off.  I couldn't decide between the black and white ones or the pink multi ones, so I ended up buying both. YIKES! i needed to see them in person and figure out how it would work in my closet.  black and white is more practical, and still interesting, but how could one not want the pink ones. let's hope i don't overindulge and send one of them back.

Thanks for stopping by and indulging me!
<3 roe

wedding wear

dress (worn to ceremony): H&M // clutch: Zara // shoes: Guess // bracelets: Kate Spade & Nordstrom

my year wouldn't be complete without a wedding.  and if you saw my last post, i had the pleasure of witnessing my long time friend tie the knot to an amazing woman.

usually, dressing for a wedding comes easy to me, dress, studs, bracelets, bam.  however, this time around, after taking advantage of the Nordstrom anniversary and finding nothing i deemed suitable for this wedding within my budget, i decided to revisit my closet.

I pulled out favorite items, but they seemed too fall-ish for this wedding, or they were blush pink, and i didn't want to end up a long lost bridesmaid.  i spotted my favorite H&M dress, but wore it to a wedding previously.  it was 10 days before the wedding, and i was seriously stumped.  then i spotted my grey and black tulle skirt that i made previously, and the light bulb went off.

I took this H&M dress and put it together with this tulle skirt, with some modifications:

dress worn as top: H&M // tulle skirt: DIY // belt: DIY // earrings: Kate Spade // necklace: J.Crew (old) // shoes: Reed Krakoff // arm candy: BF

i wish i had more outfit pictures to show you all, but we were too busy celebrating!

DIY. if i had pictures to show you how i made this skirt, i'd show you.  unfortunately i made it in such a haste, and mostly in my poorly lit room.  boo.  good news though! i found two fantastic tutorials to help you make your own.  the first is a brilliantly detailed (IMO) tutorial by Rummage Living, you'll probably need some basic sewing knowledge.  and here's a simple beautiful no-sew version by Living Well Spending Less.

For my belt, i was inspired by Maegan's tutorial on her blog ...love Maegan.  instead of hot gluing the rhinestones on, i sewed them on for extra reinforcement. i found the material for my belt in the trimmings aisle of Joann's and sewed these clasps at the desired locations.  i used two different spots to adjust for thicker fabrics, and food babies (can't help it, this girl loves to eat) .  i then sewed the felted rhinestone piece onto the edge of one side. hook & clasp. ready to roll!

thank you for stopping by today.  i hope i was able to inspire some of you to think outside the box, while staying inside the box ;)

<3 roe [flan remix]

cool summer blues

the weather has been beautifully lately.  after a couple of weeks of intense heat, 80 degrees at 8am, say what?! the weather has finally cooled down to a good high 70s - low 80s.  i can start living life comfortably again.

my hair is a long mess these days, it's state of normal is usually in a french braid, or wrapped in a bun, so i decided to try something a little different.  i found this short-hair tutorial, and adapted it to my long hair, which just means a few more wraps of a bun.  i always find the best tutorials on The Beauty Department.

dress: H&M old // shoes: Nine West similar here and here // necklace: gifted // watch: Michael Kors // Bracelet: Kate Spade

this dress is one of my all time favorites.  i've had it for about two years now, and i always turn to it for a little fancy and fun.  it's pretty versatile, from summer weddings, to a walk on the beach, to a housewarming party, it never fails me.  this weekend, it was perfect for a housewarming party, that i knew would be filled with sunshine, good eats, and good drinks.  it kept me cool, comfortable, and hid that growing food belly.

Hope you've been able to enjoy this beautiful summer! and THANKS for stopping by!

<3 roe [flan remix]

pleated skirts and polka dots

sunset from Waikiki Beach

Hawai'i calls for long and airy skirts.  perfect match for a favorite polka dot one piece

{outfit}

Top: Ann Taylor polka dot strapless one piece bathing suit (old)

Skirt: Urban Outfitters pleated maxi skirt (similar here and here)

Thanks for stopping by today!

<3 roe