steal? splurge?

First, I need to send a HUGE thank you to everyone who read my post last week. Your comments were so sweet, and I feel like a lucky lady that people still read this thing. 

Now onto shoe things...

Okay, okay...I know I said I'd only publish "original" content, so sue me. This was a splurge or steal I just had to share with you. I do promise to publish original content 95% of the time, but I also have 5% of me that just loves posting pretty things. I do 100% promise that when I do post pretty things, I won't go out and buy it the next day. End rant.

So, this edition of splurge or steal is the infamous Harrow Bootie from Rag & Bone (bottom), and the Arieel Bootie from Steve Madden (top). I'll admit, I bought the Rag & Bone booties last year, and as soon as the $495 hit my credit card I realized I made a DUMB choice (#blamebloggers), and I swiftly returned them.  

And I'm SO happy I did. Because now I can get the look I love for a fraction of the price. 

Steve Madden @ $129.99

Rag & Bone @ $495

It's a no brainer really. I mean the R&B's are beautiful, and if you can afford them, props to you. I cannot afford them, so I'll just stare at your feet in envy and enjoy my Steve Maddens. #Booyah

tough choices

One of the main reasons I went to NYC last weekend was to find a rehearsal dinner dress. And that I did. 50% off from Rebecca Taylor. 

Winning. 

I won't share the dress yet, but I do need y'alls help picking out the shoes! I've decided that a deep purple/eggplan/deep red pump will compliment the dress perfectly. 

Nine West

Michael Kors

DVF

BCBG 

Which ones do you like best? I think I'm leaning towards the Nine West ones (now let's hope they're comfortable...)

fall fashion

Fall is my favorite season. Obviously. 

This past weekend in NYC I was in my happy place because the weather was perfect, and the shopping was even more perfect. I picked up a few pieces for my fall wardrobe, which I think I'll be wearing on repeat. 

Red Denim (they are a deeper, wine colored)

Black Blouse

Leopard loafers

Polka Dot Sweater

Aren't these pieces just perfection? What have you found lately? Do share! 

yes, please.

Loeffler Randall now makes purses. 

[Insert happy dance].

When I saw this bag, it really was love at first sight that I just had to share it with you all. It comes in three amazing colors, and even has a a removable clutch inside. Hello 2-in-1. Now to the tricky party, what color...

I'm thinking black. I can wear it to work, on the weekend running errands, and take the clutch out at night. It really is perfection.

is it fall yet?

As July comes to an end, and I know I'm in for some serious August heat, I can't help but wish for those crisp fall days. It is my favorite season for many reasons: the layered fashions, pumpkin spice lattes and cozy fires (not to forget pumpkin patches). 

Here is what I'm dreaming about...

City walking with Starbucks in hand.

Comfy sweaters and boots.

Infinity scarves and long jackets

Opaque tights

Do you love the Fall just as much as me? 

favorites

Equipment: 1//2//3//4

Joie: 1//2//3

If I had my way, all my shirts would be from either Equipment or Joie. I can't get enough of their feminine silhouettes, bright colors, bold patterns and all-around perfect fit. These are my current favorites, and I so wish they were in my closet. 

What brands do you love season after season?

steal or splurge?

Lately, I love anything gold and dainty. I fell in love with the Catbird pieces on the right, but couldn't justify the prices. 

Enter Urban Outfitters. At $12 a bracelet, I was sold. I even bought two!

Would you steal, or splurge?

guest post: life on the squares

Good morning everyone, this is Stefanie from Life on the Squares! I am so thrilled to swap posts with Julia, AKA The Urban Slant! Julia & I attended SMU together, and although we are on different sides of the USA, we still remain in touch and are connected through the blogsphere! For my guest post, I picked out 14 hot items under $100... because I LOVE a fab find for a great price!

Check my fab finds out below:
1. BaubleBar Necklace 2. TOPSHOP Dress (seen on me here)** 3. ASOS Heels 4. Essie Nail Polish 5. TOPSHOP Clutch (ONLY $28!) 6. J.Crew Bikini 7. Adia Kibur Necklace 8. Rebecca Minkoff Coin Purse 9. TOPSHOP Dress 10. DANNIJO iPhone Cover 11. Pendelton Towel 12. Chanel Book Set 13. TOPSHOP Dress 14. Michael KORS Bracelet

**Topshop runs small, I sized up 2 sizes in this style

Again, I am delighted to swap with Julia! Check out Life on the Squares for her lovely post, and to view my fashion tips & personal style.

Best, 
Stefanie

must try products

I was reading Lucky Magazine this weekend and saw a blurb about Splendid and their new body line. 

Whaaaaaaaat!?

Yes. The t-shirt company we know and love, now has a body line that is supposed to make your skin feel as soft as their clothes.

Have any of you tried their products yet? I'm just dying to get my hands on the body butter.

Body Lotion//Body Butter//Body Scrub

guest post: long distance loving

I'm SO excited, and honored, that AV from Long Distance Loving is on the blog today. AV was one of the very first bloggers I met at Blogger Blitz in NYC last fall. She is so genuine, and her blog is seriously amazing. 

A very happy Friday to you! I'm {av} and I'm so happy to be filling in for Julia today! Every Friday, I host a link-up called Friday's Fancies, so I'm here with a little coastal chic look that would make any summer day a little brighter. Since Julia loves visiting Cape Cod, I crafted this get-up with that in mind :)

Nailing the high-low look, this Felicity & Coco Belted Jersey Tank Dress has a price point which would make anyone smile. The classic navy+white combo serves as a blank canvas for a pop of color.

For a sturdy yet fun walk along the coast, these Splendid 'Kane' Sandals would do the trick.

They have come in a rainbow of colors for quite some time, but this white version of the popular J.Crew Bubble Necklace steals the show in this ensemble.

Who can argue with these Tory Burch 'Cole' Enamel Stud Earrings? They are sweet and simple, but most importantly, these beauties are incredibly versatile.

This Maison Scotch Washed Leather Envelope Clutch looked well-loved and weathered, which is a happy combination in my book. 

---

Be sure to hop over to my blog, {long distance loving}, to check out all the other Friday's Fancies today :) If you'd like to join in the fun down the line, click here to join the mailing list. Have an amazing weekend, friends! Thanks again for having me, Julia! xoxo {av}

P.S. If you're a Chicago blogger, I want to meet you in a few weeks at Blogger Blitz Chicago!

Thanks AV! What a great round-up. I love that it's Red white and blue, too! Have a great weekend everyone!

guest post: bud & leo

Haute Hippie store in Manhattan on 81st and Madison

Happy Friday Urban Slant lovelies!  We’re Kelli & Lisa of Bud & Leo and we’re soooo happy that Julia asked us to guest post for her because we ‘re huge fans of her blog (we really, really want the Marilyn Chair and sparkly pillow!).  Since it’s the third day of summer we thought we’d share with you what we’re swooning over this season –  Haute Hippie’s amazinggg prints in their summer collection.  These bright, exotic prints (love the ikat & zigzag!) are eye-catching and the fabrics are breezy for hot summer nights! 

Haute prints examined…

And their corresponding summer looks…

 1 I 2 I 3 I 4 I 5 I 6

Don't these looks make you want to hit the town?!  We swear we could wear these fabulous pieces everywhere!  Drop by Bud & Leo and say hi sometime!  Enjoy your weekend,

everyone!  xoxo Kelli & Lisa


Wow. These prints are pretty fabulous. Can't wait to shop (when I get my first paycheck). Thanks Kelli & LIsa! Have a great weekened everyone. xo

guest post: the now

Hello out there to all The Urban Slant-ers! I'm Elizabeth from The NOW Stylebook and I couldn't be more excited to be on the blog today with a few of my current obsessions in my favorite color...PINK! I know what you are going to say..Elizabeth, how did you come up with an incredibly original & cool title for your post? Well it takes a crazy amount of creativity friends. Anyway, thank you so much Julia for letting me be a guest over here on your amazing blog. I am so honored!!

1| 2| 3| 4| 5| 6| 7| 8| 

Hope you enjoyed! Feel free to stop on by The NOW and say hello anytime!!

xoxo e

P.S. a HUGE thank you to my guest posters this week - Christin, Natalie and Elizabeth. I'll be back next week with some big life updates, and maybeeee an apartment picture or two! Have a great weekend! xo

guest post: natalie merrillyn

Today I bring you the lovely Natalie sharing some beach inspiration. I so wish I were the girl below...

Hello Urban Slant readers! I'm Natalie from Natalie Merrillyn and I'm so excited to be guest posting on Julia's blog. 

Lately I've been dreaming of a beach getaway. I always have a tendency to over-pack for everything, {I like options!} but visualizing my outfits beforehand always helps me weed out the things I won't be needing and frees up more space in my suitcase. I've curated a little weekend beach packing list -- an easy, breezy dress for walking to and from the beach, cute wedges for going out, and fun, bright accessories.

ONE Mara Hoffman Embroidered peasant dress {$286} TWO Emamó Poeme lace triangle bikini {$225} THREE Elizabeth & James Lafayette cat eye sunglasses {$155} FOUR Alexander McQueen Pink Kingsland vinyl tote {$210} FIVE Forever21 Metallic bow sandals {$14.80} SIX The Girl and the Water Lime beach towel {$29} SEVEN Ann Taylor Cotton/silk Havana winds scarf {$39.99} EIGHT Madewell V-neck pocket tee {$19.50} NINE Old Navy Scarf wedges {$29.94} TEN AG Adriano Goldschmied The City shorts {$168} ELEVEN Marc by Marc Jacobs Brown wooden bolt bangle {$60}

A huge thank you to Julia for having me today!

And please stop by Natalie Merrillyn for more inspiration!

xo 

image

guest post: with a c.h.

Today I bring you one of my all time favorite ladies, Christin. We met in NYC and we talk practically every day. She is the sweetest most genuine person with a sense of humor that I envy. She also works at BaubleBar. So my jealousy continues with her employee discount. 

Hey there peeps, it's Christin from with a C.H. I'm thrilled to be with you all today, subbing in for Julia who is just too fab right now moving to pay attention to you all. I, however, am not too fabulous.

Julia asked me to share some of my favorite BaubleBar pieces with you for the Summer, since I work there and all, so I've rounded up a few things that you all must own. Must.

1. Cut Crystal Strand / 2. Black Drusy Drops / 3. Pink Triad Collar

4. Lime Drusy Cascade / 5. Ocean Punk Set / 6. Chevron Charm Bracelet

I love the Cut Crystal Strand a lot, mostly because it can be dressed up or down, worn in a casual or formal setting and friends, you can't beat that. Same goes for the Black Drusy Drops. Now, the Pink Triad Collar is just plain fun for summer and we love brights in the office. The Lime Cascade earrings lend the perfect punch to an otherwise tame look and everyone, read everyone, needs the Ocean Punk set! I die for these blue and green beauties. And my most favorite thing of all of the Chevron Charm bracelet. I need it. It's perfect for layering and is just plain amazing!

Thanks for having me Julia!

Who will be shopping with me? These are all fab. Thanks Christin! xo

what I'm loving wednesday

I've done some shopping lately, and just had to share my purchases with you. They are all super affordable, and have made this month oh-so-perfect. 

Essie Nail Polish in Waltz - the perfect opaque white shade for summer.

Bare Minerals "Pretty Amazing" lip color in Ambition - the pink gloss I've been dreaming of.

Moroccan Oil Shampoo - lives up to ALL the hype. I've never loved my hair more.

Xen-Tan - the absolute best non-smelling sunless tanner. Works like a charm, and gradually tans you. Highly recommend.

Marc by Marc Jacobs Aviators - feminine aviators that are one of my favorite purchases in a while.

Lori's Shoes Spiked Bracelet- the greatest addition to all my arm parties. 

What have you bought lately that you love? 

these are a few of my favorite things...

...dresses.

The one thing that I know about my body is that shorts don't flatter me. I've tried every brand, style, color, cut. You name it, i've tried it. So, I rely on dresses and skirts to get me through the warm summer months. 

This is quite easy this season with beauties like these. 

I'll take one of each, please.

1//2//3//4//5//6//7//8

All brought to you courtesy of J.Crew and Madewell, my go-to places for easy summer frocks. 

Happy Shopping! 

apartment help: jewelry organization

I have a problem. 

I'm addicted to jewelry. 

Baubles? Yes please.

Delicate pieces? Duh.

Costume jewelry? Obviously.

But after moving, and realizing my organization system was NOT okay (an entire drawer filled with bags, boxes etc) I need to change things up in my next place. 

Help me decide? Aw, thanks for saying yes! 

a girl can dream of a space like this...

What system would you use? I'm leaning towards everyday objects - so fun, and unique. 

signature style

Two shows that I can watch over and over again are, Madmen and Sex and the City. Not only do the actors portray the characters brilliantly, but also the costume design is like none other. 

We all know that the fashion from SATC was out of control amazing, and extremely expensive. However, the one thing Patricia Field's really focused on was having re-occurring items. 

Like the Carrie Necklace. 

Didn't it make you feel like Carrie's lifestyle was accessible, if even for a second? 

Madmen is also doing this with Joan's Pen necklace. 

Amazing.

I like to think of these items as signature items. Pieces that you think about when you think of the character. 

I'm still defining my style, but the one thing that I cherish the most is my vintage jewelry collection from my Grandmother. All classic, and timeless pieces that I treasure.

What is your signature item?

dreaming

As a girl, my wish list is miles long. Always.

It is mostly filled with more affordable items, that I can eventually justify.

However, there are some items that I call "a girl can dream" items, that will only become a reality when I win the lottery and/or inherit a large amount of money.

These are timeless, classic and completely necessary to own one day. 

What insane items do you dream about?

baubles + work

Login to Pinterest, open any fashion magazine, or browse your favorite blog and chances are you'll find gorgeous statement necklaces, rings and various baubles.

But how can you wear them so they are work appropriate?

I've compiled three looks that blend baubles, fashion and sophistication. 

Look #1: For the corporate fashionista. 

You: ...work in a sea of black, like on Capitol Hill, and if you wear pink one might think you're the new Elle Woods. Fear not, there is a Bauble for you! 

Dress//Shoes//Necklace

Look #2: The casual worker bee

You: ...work in a casual environment, possibly advertising or marketing. You like to be on trend, but not too trendy that you cause a commotion. You like color, and try and steer clear of black.

Pants//Wedges//Shirt//Necklace

Look #3: Anything goes!

You: ...aren't afraid to experiment. You like classic lines, and pops of color, but find yourself drawn to animalistic prints and flirty fashion.

Skirt//Flats//Blouse//Bracelet//Necklace

Here's to happy shopping and finding the Bauble that's right for you and your lifestyle.