Cash or Credit - Slip Style

I remember in my early twenties when slip camisoles were the hottest style out there. I loved pairing them with a cropped ballet sweater and some denim, that outfit always made me feel sexy without revealing too much. While that look may be retired for me these days I do love the look of lingerie style items that are made for wearing anytime. Whether it be an item trim med in eyelash lace or a dress with a silky nightgown silhouette, there is something that draws me in which inspired todays cash or credit. 

cash - dress // bomber // clutch // shoes 

credit - dress // bomber // clutch // shoes 

shop the above looks & more 

Cash or Credit - Beachwear

When I shop for a coverup I am always looking for it to serve as not only something comfortable to lounge in around the pool or the beach but also a style that can easily take you from the seaside to a restaurant and beyond. So when I saw this Tory Burch knit dress I thought it perfectly fit the bill for all of the above. However it's price tag was a bit more then what I like to spend on something that will likely get sprayed with sunscreen and or get a daiquiri or two spilled on it. Then today I cam across this picture on instagram of a fellow curvy gal and thought it was a great look a like for a fraction of the cost. I added a beautiful coral one piece and neutral accessories to complete the look. An effortlessly chic look at two very different price points.

Cash - dress // bathing suit // tote // sandal
Credit - dress // bathing suit // tote // sandal

Neutral Territory - Day & Night

 As I prepare for our fifth wedding anniversary trip to the desert I am finding myself stocking up on everything neutral, {shocking I know}. I recently picked up this blouse to wear during the day with some sandals and skinny denim. Come our celebratory evening I thought a dress was in order. I love the idea of something that is loose fitting but can have a belt added so you don't look like your wearing a potato sack. All my other outfits will be casual coverups and bathing suits. I cannot wait to get the sun on my skin. Spring is definitely being skipped this year in Boston! 

shop all the above & more with the links below

Pretty Patterns

I don't wear a lot of patterns but when I do I always gravitate towards florals and stripes. I especially love them together for a good mix of prints. So while nothing is in bloom yet here in Boston, mother nature has finally graced up with some warmer weather and I am all about adding some Spring fashions into my closet. A few of my favorite prints and patterns are below!



Striped Button Down {so cute with a colorful floral flat & white denim} // floral scarf // floral sweatshirt // white floral skirt // blue & white floral dress // jumpsuit // iPhone case // floral pumps // floral shorts // striped tee {have & love - goes with everything} // striped flats //  striped ruffle peplum 

Flat Out

While it may not yet feel like spring here in Boston the calendar says otherwise, which means I am retiring all my boots {possibly even burning my snow ones}. I literally have exhausted the boots and sweater look this winter and refuse to wear them again.  I am determined to challenge mother nature and walk out the door in Spring fashions even if it means I am freezing. My first spring style adjustment is the change of footwear. I am all about flats for walking comfortably around the city and have my eyes on a few pairs below to help amp up my wardrobe as the snow melts. Hurry up Spring, we need you BAD in this city!

shop the above & more stylish flats below

Pattern Play

I am a big fan of solids in my wardrobe. I hardly ever gravitate towards a pattern but always love them when they are on others. However, I recently looked in my closet and was totally bored with every single thing I owned and I think adding some fun prints are a great way to put a little oomph into your outfits. I have been collecting a few of my favorite patterened pieces that I am debating on welcoming into the closet. Some even pair well with one another like that subtle cobalt print shirt and that artistic floral clutch. However, nothing beats my favorite patterned leopard shoes that go with everything! What is your favorite way to wear prints?

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Cash or Credit - NYC Wear

Happy Friday friends! I am so excited to be hosting family in town this weekend. We have been lucky to have had a bit more space during our stay in NYC allowing me to exercise my hosting skills. My real challenge in Manhattan has been dressing comfortably and yet maintaining style. You know wearing heels everyday isn't realistic in a city where you walk everywhere. I have been living in a very warm coat, stretchy skinny jeans, silk blouses and my favorite booties. So I created a little cash or credit featuring my weekday wardrobe for strolling around this amazing city. Have a great weekend everyone!

cash - lace top // coat // denim // purse // boots
credit - lace top // coat // denim // purse // boots

A Boot Tale

The other day on the news I saw a disturbing segment where women were getting their calves surgically reduced to fit into certain style knee boots. I couldn't believe that women would go to such extremes for fashion. It reminded me of a time when I was working in NYC and I justified the hefty price tag of a certain pair boots because I swore that they went with everything I owned and were the only boot I would wear all winter long. So let's paint a picture of how it all hillariously went down... I am 22, living part time in my parents apartment in NYC {because I couldn't afford my own}, I decide to go into a high end department store {one that I definitely shouldn't even be looking at considering my entry level salary} I head directly to the shoe department, I spot a pair of delicious cognac colored boots with a modest heel height that I think is the prettiest damn thing I have ever laid eyes on. I tell myself even after looking at the ridiculous price tag that if I can get them on, they are coming home with me. So there I am amongst the beautiful people of NYC breaking into a full on panic sweat {ya know those times when you get nervous you will get the item on but not be able to get it off} pulling with all my might to get these painfully gorgeous boots on over my bulky cuffed jeans {skinny jeans weren't a thing yet}. I am pretty sure the salesperson watched on in horror as I wrestled with the luxurious leather all the while reminding himself to zip his lip because he wanted the commission. Then after one final labor-like pull, the boots were on and while they were certainly snug, I was in love. I walked around the carpeted sales floor in a victory lap, so proud of my accomplishment to get these reluctant things on. I stupidly charged the boots so I was to not clear out my bank account on a single purchase and happily skipped out of the store with my retail glow. Fast forward to a ridiculous night out with two of my friends where I had a few too many drinks and my nightmare came true....the boots were stuck...like really stuck. I literally was lying on the couch while my friend Craig and Enzo pulled and pulled trying to get the SOB's off of me. Ya know, one pulling while the other simultaneously trying to unzip the jammed zipper.  In my liquored state and the claustrophobic feeling of being in these boots forever started to roll in, I just said, "cut the damn things off of me...I need to be free" and so they did. The following morning I looked down to the floor at my sad soles and was full of regret. Not only was the bill still being paid off, I had taken the murdered boots to a bunch of cobblers for repair of which no fix was available. SO what is the moral of this ridiculously long and embarassing story?!  One - charging items we can't afford is a BAD idea, that credit card bill will haunt you the following month and two - don't buy shit that doesn't fit...style shouldn't ever be a struggle. There is always a way to have things fit properly without sacrificing how fashionable it is. Just take a look below at my favorite boots of the season available in a slew of styles for every woman of every size!

Boots - one {25% off with code fallstyles} // two // three 

Booties - one // two // three 

Extended Calf - one // two // three 

Fancy Feet

Summer may be coming to an end but that doesn't mean we have to transport our little tootsies right from sandals to boots! I personally love transitioning back into flats come fall, especially when flats are getting some serious style like the little lovelies below. Living in a city means a lot of walking and it's very important to me to not sacrifice style for comfort. While I do dread the initial breaking in of the shoes, I have learned a few tricks to avoid the oh so painful back of the heel blister. One - break in the shoes with some socks around the house, the thicker the sock the better. Yes you may look like a crazy person but it stretches them out just enough to be comfy when you hit the streets. Two - Wear advanced healing band aids before the blister, protecting the back of your foot with these cushy band aids will help soften the rubbing on the back of the heal. Three - Add a sticky gel cushion to the back of your shoe so the soft material touches your foot instead of the stiff leather.  Four - Some department stores offer complimentary stretching of the shoe with purchase. Neiman Marcus has done for me in the past & it was awesome & if not a local cobbler can likely do for you too. Finally, Five - Apply subtle heat with a blowdryer to the part of the shoe that is tight and when warm flex the fabric around by hand to loosen the trouble spots, be careful on synthetic materials. Enjoy your happy and fancy feet!

one // two // three // four // five // six // seven // eight

now & later

I recently read an article {I forget where} that said when making a purchase you should try to think of at least five things to wear it with. If you can't do that, then the purchase isn't versatile enough to be an investment in your closet. Since I have been picking up a few things for fall I have been exercising this suggestion hoping to build a better wardrobe of items that I will love longer then a single season. Two items that I felt fit this assignment was my new favorite Madewell dress and a new leather jacket that I know will be on heavy rotation due to their simple silhouettes and style. I will be wearing the dress now with strappy sandals and a statement necklace then next month when it's cooler I will be swapping out my sandals for booties and tights along with a fitted leather jacket to keep warm.


now - dress // sandals {on super sale} // purse // necklace {also on super sale}
later - jacket // dress // tights // boots

Flattering Flats

Living in the city means a lot of walking around town and heels are definitely not a friend of the broken sidewalks of our little historic neighborhood. I recently picked up these two pairs of flats trying to replace my old favorites {available here in other colors} that are literally worn through the sole and I am having trouble on which pair to keep. I personally love the look of the d'Orsay style with it's pointy toe and open middle. Just feels a bit more dressy then the typical ballet flat. It's perfect for the warmer weather and available in a plethora of prints, materials and colors. A little round up of  some my favorites are below.



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Summer Clutch

You guys, I have a problem...I am addicted to clutches! I am totally obsessed and can never ever seem to have too many. Even if they are totally annoying to carry while out on the town, they are still by far my favorite purse style out there. I have been coveting one in particular {not avail online or I would share} that is a beautiful black and tan woven pattern and have been told there are four left in the country {totally makes me want more}. Come warm weather {Spring where the frick are you???} I love to swap out my bulkier bags for a more petite clutch, especially in a pretty print or in a natural fabric like raffia, canvas or straw. A little round up of some favorites are below.

one // two // three {more colors avail} // four // five {style steal at $40!} // six // seven // eight // nine 

Freshly Squeezed

A few weekends ago I attended a Tuscan themed bridal brunch that was beautifully decorated with citrus decor, favors, Italian treats and cocktails. I was completely smitten with the hosts fruity design. It was bright, cheerful and perfectly on trend. Since then everywhere I turn I see zesty styles {pun intended} of lemons and oranges in fashions, beauty, paper, entertaining and home decor. Below is a little roundup of some of my favorites.



citrus tree's // fedora // pillow // iPhone case // recipe cards // lemon purse // lip balm // drink dispenser // measuring spoons //  head scarf // soap stones // dress // flats // towelettes // candle 

Weekend Wear - Casual

When it comes to being comfortable is there anything better then a classic jeans and t-shirt? I thought I would use inspiration from Mondays peplum post and share this striped beauty that looks positively comfy without sacrificing style. Of course great flats are in order for strolling around town.



top // watch // shoes // denim // bag

Have a great weekend everyone!

In The Nude

Morning friends...Sorry for yet another shoe post but I have been on a major beige binge lately when it comes to shopping. This is especially my favorite when it comes to footwear as I love that the neutral color goes so well with everything in your wardrobe. Not only can a nude shoe can elongate the leg they work so well when you're wearing bright colors on top and need to tone it down to avoid being too matchy-matchy. So whether it comes to pumps, sandals or flats...a neutral nude shoe is always a smart investment. I guarantee they will be worn on heavy rotation and a closet favorite in little time!

one // two // three // four // five // six

Weekend Wear - Cobalt & Black

I have long been a fan of Tibi and one of my favorite pieces is the cami below below. Every season their classic cami stays the same but the prints and materials it's made out of evolve with the trends, i.e. the leather version, chiffon or  color-blocked satin. My personal taste usually means wearing this tank with a blazer and some skinny denim and what is better then adding some leather elements like that fab blazer below. I love the sleek look of black with the burst of the cobalt print to give the ensemble a little more pop. I think the pairing below is perfect for a date night or evening on the town with your gals. Get in my closet!

Tibi Tank // Kate Spade Studs // Loeffler Randall Clutch // Joe Jeans Pumps //  All Saints Leather Biker Jacket Blazer // J Brand Sateen Denim

Have a great weekend!

Bootie - Licious

I recently purchased my first pair of booties for the fall and while I haven't had a chance to wear them just yet, I am SO ready to break them out of their box and pair them with some dark skinny denim and a cozy oversized sweater. Boston just needs some weather to allow this change in wardrobe (what's up with the summer temps lately?). I think it would be the perfect ensemble for strolling our historic neighborhood, ideally with some cider in hand.

Lucky Brand Yustina Booties // Sole Society Skylar Bootie  // Old Navy Studded Ankle Bootie
Madewell Billie Boot // Rag & Bone Newbury Bootie // Ash Spiral Mid-heel Bootie
Loeffler Randall Rain Booties // Burberry Mid Buckle Bootie // Rag & Bone x Hunter Short Bootie

Have a great weekend!

Cash or Credit - Rose Gold

Growing up, silver was all the rage. Everything I had to adorn my wrists, lobes and neck had to be silver and nothing else. As I got older I appreciated yellow gold more and more as I felt it worked with my fair complexion and as Tina Fey calls it "yellow hair". Now everywhere I go I am spotting more and more accessories in a metallic blush color. I have always thought rose gold was super pretty, especially in a tricolor combination with white and yellow gold, but this pinky hue doesn't need it's older sisters around to make it stand out. Check out some of the ways to incorporate this trend into your style with some fabulous rose gold accessories with similar looks but at two very different price points. 

Fossil Boyfriend Chronograph Watch // Michael Kors Camille Chronograph Watch

Zara Blush Tone Pumps // J.Crew Mirror Metallic Pumps

Michael Kors Pyramid Stud Earrings // Gemma Redux Rectangle Earring

Rebecca Minkoff Mini Affair Bag // Loeffler Randall Rose Gold Water-snake Wallet 

Lovely Little Loafers

I have a bit of delay on today's sip & snack as I was out last night celebrating some of my husbands recent accomplishments. While I will post that tasty recipe a bit later, I wanted to discuss one of my favorite topics...shoes. I have to admit I almost always prefer heels. I always feel more feminine and better about my overall look  when I add a little height to my legs. However, I live in the city, a very old part of Boston filled with lots of brick sidewalks that are cracked and broken which means they are far from high heel friendly and let's face it, nothing looks worse then a woman that can't walk in her own shoes properly. So while they aren't my first choice, a chic flat is a must in my day to day lifestyle. One trend I am totally loving is the look of the classic smoking loafer that has been updated with some modern prints and embellishments. It keeps what I always considered a preppy style a lot less stuffy and a bit more interesting and fresh. So I have to ask ...will you be swapping out your ballet flats for this new look? 

Loeffler Randall Blaise Moccasin // Gap Metallic Loafers {available in silver} // Henri Bendel Sole Ambition Loafers {comes in the cutest sleeper bag too}

Joie Dylan Leopard Loafer // Ann Taylor Candace Smoking Loafers // Charles Phillip Lana Tassel Loafers // Nasty Gal Digi Spike Loafer // Zara Tassel Moccasin // Loeffler Randall Blaise Studded & Suede Loafers

The Classic Black Tote

When it comes to fall fashion the one item that I will consistently have on me is my favorite black tote. I always have felt that a great bag is a good investment especially in a dark color that wears well. Most recently I had the misfortune of learning the hard way that some high end designer bags doesn't always mean they provide the best quality. Which inspired me to find a plethora of fabulous designer bags in my favorite shade {and a little fabulous leopard embellishment too} at all different price points for toting around town! Which one is your favorite???

under $1,500

Gucci Park Avenue Small Tote // Saint Laurent Reversible Shopper Tote // Prada Vitello Danino Snap Top Tote

under $1,000

Loeffler Randall Work Tote // Kate Spade New York Tote - Two Park Avenue Leopard Beau Shopper // 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli Large Tote

under $500

ZAC Zac Posen Eartha Large Soft Shopper // Clare Vivier La Tropezienne 5" // MICHAEL Michael Kors Tote - Large North South Selma

Happy Shopping!